Steenhuisen Sacks Chief of Staff Roman Cabanac After Backlash Over Racist Remarks
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has officially terminated the contract of his chief of staff, Roman Cabanac, following sustained public outcry and political pressure over Cabanac’s past racist comments.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks the end of a months-long controversy that began shortly after Cabanac’s appointment in August 2024. Critics have lambasted the decision to hire Cabanac, a right-wing podcaster with a history of inflammatory social media posts, as a serious lapse in judgment by Steenhuisen and the broader Democratic Alliance (DA).
Old Tweets, New Trouble
Cabanac’s past remarks included a tweet stating that “blacks are not liberals” and controversial statements questioning the Sharpeville Massacre—comments that resurfaced soon after his appointment and drew nationwide condemnation.
Parties such as the EFF were quick to denounce the move, calling it a betrayal of South Africa’s constitutional values and non-racial principles, while accusing Steenhuisen of undermining efforts to build trust within the Government of National Unity.
A Reluctant U-Turn
Initially, Steenhuisen defended Cabanac, highlighting his legal credentials and framing the backlash as politically motivated. However, by late 2024, the minister conceded the appointment had become a “distraction from the ministry’s priorities”, particularly in a department vital to food security and land reform.
A September 2024 request for Cabanac to voluntarily resign was rejected, forcing a protracted HR process that culminated in his eventual dismissal—ironically on Cabanac’s birthday.
Legal Threats and Political Fallout
In a cryptic response, Cabanac hinted at legal action, alleging procedural flaws in his dismissal. Legal experts say any court battle could further entangle the DA in an already volatile political environment.
The controversy has not only spotlighted Steenhuisen’s leadership but also reignited debate over racial sensitivity, transformation, and accountability within political appointments—especially in the context of South Africa’s fragile coalition government.
