Roman Cabanac, who was fired as agriculture minister John Steenhuisen's chief of staff this week, has given the strongest hint yet that he will mount a legal challenge against his dismissal.
It took almost nine months for Steenhuisen to get Cabanac out of his office after Cabanac refused to step down from his R1.4m a year position when the DA leader asked him to leave in September 2024.
Steenhuisen had faced a backlash inside and outside the DA for appointing the controversial former podcaster, who is accused of having expressed racist views on social media and other platforms.
But Cabanac dug in his heels, saying he was opposed to quitting his job over issues unrelated to his performance.
Steenhuisen expressed frustration over how labour law protections dragged out the process of removing Cabanac.
Matters became more complicated in April when it emerged that Cabanac, who was born in France, could not be granted security clearance due to his dual French and South African citizenship.
Security clearance is an essential requirement for people occupying positions at his level.
On Thursday. Cabanac posted on X that Steenhuisen had finally shown him the door.
Cabanac, who has a law degree, told the Sunday Times on Friday that he was weighing his legal options because he believed there were procedural and other flaws in the process followed by Steenhuisen and his department in firing him.
“I will not be answering every question ... save to say that there appear to be some flaws in the process of my termination. I am looking at my options in this regard,” he said.
“I have no regrets [about] joining the government and will gladly serve again if the opportunity arises. I will miss my colleagues at the department who have treated me courteously and professionally.”
Ministry of agriculture spokesperson Joylene van Wyk said they were ready to defend the matter in court.
“Since this is a potential legal matter, it wouldn't be appropriate for us to comment on the specifics of Mr Cabanac's case at this time,” she said. “However, we can assure you that the department always does its best to act in full compliance with all applicable policies, procedures and legal frameworks in its decisions. The department is prepared to address any legal challenges that may arise.”
Sources in the agriculture department said Cabanac’s failure to qualify for security clearance was cited among the reasons for his termination.
“People had a good relationship with him; he is generally a very pleasant person,” said one. “The fact is that he did not do anything wrong in terms of his work, that’s why I think he says he’s looking at his options.”
Other sources said Cabanac had been aiming for a golden handshake before vacating his office, suggesting that this may be one reason he is considering challenging his dismissal. in court.
Ministerial staff serve at the pleasure of their bosses, with their tenure linked to the five-year government term. But they may be terminated if the minister who appointed them vacates their position early.
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