Roman Cabanac, a controversial podcaster known for his conservative views and past racist remarks, has been appointed as the chief of staff in the office of DA leader John Steenhuisen at the Department of Agriculture.
Story Summary:
- Roman Cabanac, known for controversial remarks, appointed as John Steenhuisen’s chief of staff in the Department of Agriculture.
- The DA has faced criticism for this appointment, which follows a similar controversy involving Renaldo Gouws.
- Steenhuisen and the DA have yet to officially address the concerns regarding Cabanac’s appointment.
DA blasted for placing Roman Cabanac under John Steenhuisen at Agriculture
Cabanac, who is infamous for his controversial political statements, including remarks about black people emigrating to the Western Cape, has links to far-right groups such as the Cape Coloured Congress.
His appointment has raised eyebrows, especially considering his past, which includes hosting discussions with individuals who have expressed racist and antisemitic views.
Cabanac’s appointment has not yet been addressed publicly by either John Steenhuisen or the DA.
Cabanac, however, has defended his new role, stating that his experience with large teams in both the private and non-profit sectors makes him well-suited for the position.
He dismissed criticism from what he referred to as the “woke crowd,” emphasising that his focus would be on the work at hand.
“I am very comfortable with the appointment because fortunately, there are not many woke people at the department of agriculture as we are here to work. I am, therefore, not bothered if the woke crowd is critical of my appointment,” he told ‘Rapport’.
DA’s history of aligning with accused bigots
This is not the first time the DA has found itself embroiled in controversy over the appointment of a figure accused of racism.
In June 2024, the DA was forced to withdraw Renaldo Gouws from its MP list after old racist tweets and comments resurfaced.
Gouws, a YouTuber and social media personality, was exposed for using racial slurs in a video that had been archived online.
Despite the backlash and an ongoing investigation by the DA, Gouws still holds a significant position within the government, fuelling criticism of the party’s tolerance of bigoted views.
