ANC calls for nepotism, cronyism probe

Provincial spokesperson cites, among others, the appointment of agricultural MEC’s son as one such example

THE ANC in the legislature has called for the provincial government to investigate allegations of nepotism, cronyism and favouritism at local government level.

At a legislature sitting on Thursday, ANC provincial spokesperson on local government Danville Smith said corruption and nepotism were deeply entrenched in the Western Cape government and municipalities.

He cited, among other incidents, the appointment of Agriculture MEC Ivan Meyer’s son as assistant director in the department of local government without any experience.

“The son of agriculture MEC (Dr)

Ivan Meyer has been appointed as an assistant director in the Department of Local Government. Ivan Meyer as one of the senior cabinet members and a member of the DA Fedex enjoys close relations with MEC Bredell as they’ve served together in the provincial government and in DA structures for many years. There are reasonable grounds to believe that there was some form of influence in the appointment of his son in MEC Bredell’s department,” Smith said.

Smith added that Premier Alan Winde’s previous response to concerns of nepotism in his government was unacceptable.

“Clearly the mechanisms to prevent nepotism and cronyism are ineffective, and the ANC calls on the provincial government to identify potential occurrences of cronyism, nepotism and favouritism in the Western Cape, and tighten its measures to prevent all forms of nepotism. This process should start with an investigation into the appointment of Ivan Meyer junior,” Smith said.

Meyer’s spokesperson, Daniel Johnson, referred questions to the Department of Local Government.

Local government head of communications Rowena van Wyk said the post of assistant director: integrated development planning, later awarded to Meyer junior, was advertised with the closing date of September 9, 2019 and was subjected to a valid recruitment and selection process.

“The said official applied and was shortlisted based on the criteria required. Candidates were required to do an interview, practical test and a competency assessment. This was conducted on December 12, 2019. The selection committee deliberated on the suitability of the candidates with the highest interview scores using all suitable selection tools to make a final recommendation and the candidate was found a suitable match for the said post,” said Van Wyk.

Van Wyk added that the recruitment and selection process was credible and in line “with the prescribed processes free from bias or nepotism as alleged by the member.”

Winde’s spokesperson, Bianca Capazorio, said the provincial government would consider, and if necessary, investigate any evidence of wrong-doing or political interference in the appointment of any provincial official or employee, in the interests of good governance.

“Premier Winde is on record as indicating that should evidence emerge that there was any wrong-doing involved in the appointment of Ivan Meyer Junior, he would investigate. No such evidence has yet been supplied. With regards to the appointment of Ivan Meyer jn – no minister is involved in the appointment of junior officials. Appointments at this level are also not approved by the cabinet. The official applied for the position, was interviewed, shortlisted and completed competency tests before being appointed,” she said.