The African National Congress (ANC) in the Western Cape has lodged a PAIA application against the Democratic Alliance (DA), demanding access to what it describes as the party's cadre deployment records. This move follows the DA's recent acquisition of documents from the ANC's deployment committee during President Cyril Ramaphosa's tenure.

The ANC is now seeking all communication regarding the appointment of public servants and officials in Western Cape municipalities from the DA, including records dating back to 2009. The ANC has given the DA a 30-day deadline to respond to its request.

Cameron Dugmore, ANC provincial caucus leader, criticized the DA for what he called "fundamental hypocrisy," noting that while the DA sought information from the ANC, it failed to respond to the ANC's request in the province. Dugmore emphasized that the ANC expects the DA to comply with its application and provide the requested information.

In response, the DA's spokesperson, Solly Malatsi, stated that the DA does not practice cadre deployment and therefore cannot produce records that do not exist. Malatsi highlighted that the ANC's case pertains to cadre deployment, not the DA, pointing out that the DA recently took the ANC to court for contempt over cadre deployment records.

The DA had earlier this year won a court battle securing access to documents from the ANC's deployment committee during Ramaphosa's leadership.

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