ANC Seeks Constitutional Court's Intervention in Shielding Cadre Deployment Records from MPs

In an attempt to uphold the secrecy of its cadre deployment records, the African National Congress (ANC) has lodged a final appeal to the Constitutional Court. The ANC's move came three days late, putting forward the argument that the Constitution's provision of "everyone's" right to information access does not extend to Members of Parliament (MPs).

Since 2021, ANC has been locking horns with Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Leon Schreiber. This originated when Schreiber initiated an application under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) aiming to obtain comprehensive records of ANC's cadre deployment committee dating back to January 2013. This period holds significance as President Cyril Ramaphosa took up the mantle as the committee chairperson during this time.

The tenure under consideration is reportedly the phase when several key mechanisms contributing to state capture were appointed in the state and state-owned enterprises. The ANC's attempt to subvert these records from being accessed by MPs raises concerns and questions regarding their actions during this period. South Africa awaits the Constitutional Court's decision on this crucial matter.