Abolish cadre deployment in favour
of merit-based appointments and a
capable state that delivers for all
The DA’s values make the difference
The National Government’s inability to effectively deliver basic services to all South Africans
is a result of diminished state capacity. The policy of cadre deployment is the root cause of our
public service’s reduced capacity, as appointments to key public service roles are made based
on political affiliation (under the pretext of affirmative action) rather than merit and competency.
Cadre deployment has reduced the state’s ability to deliver essential services at all levels of
government while enriching a politically connected elite. This practice also lies at the heart of
corruption and state capture.
The ANC continues to cling to this destructive policy even though its harmful effects were
outlined extensively at the State Capture Commission and despite legal action taken by the DA
to declare this practice illegal. Without an effective public service, implementing policies that will
resolve our nation’s challenges becomes impossible.
The DA will fill all posts in the public service with the most competent and qualified individuals
available , thereby establishing a non-partisan, professional public service . This will improve the
state’s capacity, which is foundational to securing a prosperous future for all South Africans.
How government’s failures affect you
An incapable state has left many South Africans without reliable access to essential government
services . Roads are pothole-ridden, queues at Home Affairs are unacceptably long, and trains do
not arrive on time, or at all. The deterioration of essential government services disproportionally
affects the lives of poorer South Africans , as they are often unable to afford the high cost of
private sector alternatives.
The government has become bloated , with little return on investment. Many cabinet positions are
unnecessary and often used as political rewards rather than to serve an important function. There
is a need to streamline the number of ministries and cabinet appointments in order to reduce
unnecessary state expenditure and provide greater value for money to taxpayers.
Due to a deterioration in state capacity, South Africa faces a crisis of poor basic service
delivery . This crisis is most pronounced in areas where people reside in sub-standard conditions
characterised by insecurity and inadequate access to basic services such as water, electricity,
sanitation, education, healthcare, public safety, road infrastructure and public transport.
27