The New Controversial Figure in South African Politics - Cape Town Today
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The New Controversial Figure in South African Politics

4 mins read
south african politics roman cabanac

Roman Cabanac is a divisive figure in South African politics, known for his conservative views and podcast, Morning Shot. Recently appointed as Chief of Staff in the office of Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, Cabanac’s rise to power has stirred controversy due to his interviews with guests holding extremist views and his negative opinions on the state of South African politics. His appointment highlights the changing dynamics within the political party and the ongoing instability of the South African political scene.

Who is Roman Cabanac and what is his role in South African politics?

Roman Cabanac is a controversial figure in South African politics. He is a conservative crusader and podcaster known for his Morning Shot podcast. Recently, he was appointed as Chief of Staff in the office of Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, bypassing conventional procedures. Cabanac’s rise in politics has been controversial due to his interviews with guests holding extremist views and his pessimistic views on the state of South African politics.

In the whirlwind of change that has recently swept across the South African political scene, a noteworthy personality has emerged from the heart of the storm – Roman Cabanac. Cabanac, a divisive podcaster and a conservative crusader, is recognized for his podcast Morning Shot and a futile political endeavor with the Capitalist Party of South Africa in 2019. The latest development has seen him be appointed Chief of Staff in the office of Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.

This surprising turn of events comes in the wake of the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) controversy involving Renaldo Gouws, a popular YouTuber, and podcaster. Gouws, who was appointed as a Member of Parliament, is currently under investigation. The inquiries into his alleged use of racial slurs in his videos are ongoing, but despite this, he continues to serve in his parliamentary role, albeit with a suspension from party-related activities.

Unconventional Shifts within the Democratic Alliance

The method through which Cabanac landed his appointment is far from conventional. Steenhuisen himself bypassed standard procedures to directly offer Cabanac the role. This unconventional approach highlights the evolving dynamics within the political party and the entire South African political sphere.

Following his appointment, Cabanac adopted a dismissive stance towards criticism, especially from the ‘woke’ section of society. To quote him, “Fortunately, there are not many woke people at the department of agriculture as we are here to work”. He uses his vast experience leading large teams in both the private sector and non-profit organizations as evidence of his suitability for the role.

Cabanac and Steenhuisen did not enjoy a personal relationship prior to Cabanac’s appointment. Their previous interactions were largely professional and mostly during interviews on the Morning Shot podcast. Cabanac has also worked with other notable figures like Helen Zille on various podcast projects.

Controversy Trails Cabanac’s Rise in Politics

Cabanac’s ascent in politics has not been devoid of controversy. His stint as a co-host of The Renegade Report drew the ire of Jewish communities due to his interviews with guests holding extremist views. Notable personalities like journalist Nechama Brodie criticized Cabanac for not taking a stand against racist and anti-Semitic remarks on his show. Cabanac defended his actions, insisting that he was only a participant in debates and did not necessarily support the views of his guests.

Cabanac has been known to express pessimistic views on the state of South African politics. In a conversation with Gareth Cliff on CliffCentral, he expressed his disenchantment with South African politics, stating that all political parties were simply moronic and that the state effectively no longer existed. He questioned the ability of Steenhuisen and Zille to run the country, citing the lack of an army, borders, and police.

The Future of South African Politics

As Cabanac assumes his new role amidst these criticisms and controversies, the South African political scene seems to be in a state of constant turmoil. His appointment and the ongoing controversies within the DA emblemize the changing dynamics and inherent instability of the political sphere. Whether Cabanac’s appointment will be beneficial for the DA in the long run is yet to be seen. For now, he holds a significant position within the party and by extension, within South African politics.

1. Who is Roman Cabanac and what is his role in South African politics?

Roman Cabanac is a controversial figure in South African politics. He is a conservative crusader and podcaster known for his Morning Shot podcast. Recently, he was appointed as Chief of Staff in the office of Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, bypassing conventional procedures. Cabanac’s rise in politics has been controversial due to his interviews with guests holding extremist views and his pessimistic views on the state of South African politics.

2. What is Cabanac’s relationship with Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen?

Cabanac and Steenhuisen did not enjoy a personal relationship prior to Cabanac’s appointment. Their previous interactions were largely professional and mostly during interviews on the Morning Shot podcast.

3. Why has Cabanac’s appointment stirred controversy?

Cabanac’s appointment has stirred controversy due to his interviews with guests holding extremist views and his negative opinions on the state of South African politics. Additionally, his appointment was bypassing conventional procedures, highlighting the evolving dynamics within the political party and the entire South African political scene.

4. What criticisms has Cabanac faced in the past?

Cabanac’s stint as a co-host of The Renegade Report drew the ire of Jewish communities due to his interviews with guests holding extremist views. Notable personalities like journalist Nechama Brodie criticized Cabanac for not taking a stand against racist and anti-Semitic remarks on his show. Cabanac defended his actions, insisting that he was only a participant in debates and did not necessarily support the views of his guests.

5. What are Cabanac’s views on the state of South African politics?

Cabanac has been known to express pessimistic views on the state of South African politics. In a conversation with Gareth Cliff on CliffCentral, he expressed his disenchantment with South African politics, stating that all political parties were simply moronic and that the state effectively no longer existed. He questioned the ability of Steenhuisen and Zille to run the country, citing the lack of an army, borders, and police.

6. What is the future of South African politics?

Cabanac’s appointment and the ongoing controversies within the DA emblemize the changing dynamics and inherent instability of the political sphere. Whether Cabanac’s appointment will be beneficial for the DA in the long run is yet to be seen. For now, he holds a significant position within the party and by extension, within South African politics. The future of South African politics remains unpredictable.

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