Deployment memo a fake, says ANC

● The ANC has denied that its deployment committee wants to take over the appointment of government directors-general, and CEOs and board chairs in state-owned companies.

ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe yesterday labelled an unsigned memo directed at “all deployees” — which has circulated on social media this week — “fictitious”.

According to the fake memo, the office of deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte must be informed of any vacant positions before the posts are advertised.

Ministers would then have to send the following to Luthuli House before they make a presentation:

● Background and summary of challenges;

● Post advertisement;

● List of abridged CVs of all applicants;

● Shortlist with complete CVs;

● Recommended candidates; and

● A summary of candidates, which includes qualifications, experience, gender, age and province for each.

The memo says the cabinet should not process any appointment without the deployment committee having its say.

Mabe said this was all false and that the party is “appalled” by the fictitious correspondence.

“The unsigned memo portrays the deployment committee issuing instructions in relation to certain key appointments in state entities. This memo is fictitious and doesn’t represent the official position of the ANC deployment committee,” he said.

“Government appointments are made under clearly defined rules and regulations as stipulated in the Public Service Act. The ANC or any of its structures will never participate in activities that seek to undermine these processes.”

The statement reiterated the ANC stance on government appointments: “As a governing party, we are fully in support of government appointments that are based on merit and in the interest of strengthening state capacity to discharge its mandate to the people.” The deployment committee is chaired by ANC deputy president David Mabuza.