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Inquiry Requested Over Government Officials' Involvement in ANC Study Groups
Call for inquiry over claim that government officials attend " informal and secretive” ANC study groups
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The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for an inquiry into government officials attending African National Congress (ANC) study groups, claiming it violates the separation of party and state principles. Four ministers confirmed their officials' participation, raising concerns about the use of these meetings for political agendas. The DA aims to hold accountable those who breach public service conduct.
- 01At least four ministers confirmed that their departmental officials attended ANC study groups for briefings on technical issues and upcoming meetings.
- 02DA parliamentary leader George Michalakis emphasized that this practice undermines the principle of political neutrality in public service.
- 03Correctional Services Minister Piet Groenewald reported that his officials attended 29 study groups from September 2024 to March 2026 before barring attendance.
- 04Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina acknowledged her staff attended 16 meetings to discuss technical issues relevant to portfolio committee meetings.
- 05Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson issued directives to prevent officials from attending political study groups, citing misuse of information for political agendas.
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The Democratic Alliance (DA) has raised concerns regarding government officials attending African National Congress (ANC) study groups, asserting that this practice undermines the principle of separation between party and state. DA parliamentary leader George Michalakis stated that while public service officials can provide technical information, their involvement in ANC meetings crosses a line into political engagement. Four ministers confirmed that their officials participated in these gatherings, with Correctional Services Minister Piet Groenewald noting that his department's officials attended 29 meetings from September 2024 until March 2026 before he prohibited further attendance. Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina admitted her staff attended 16 meetings to discuss technical issues relevant to upcoming portfolio committee discussions. Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson expressed concern that officials were using these meetings to advance political agendas, prompting him to issue directives to restrict such participation. The DA plans to request an inquiry from the Public Service Commission to investigate the conduct of these officials, highlighting ongoing issues of political bias within the public service.
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This situation raises concerns about the integrity of public service and the potential misuse of government resources for political purposes.
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