DA retrenches 27 HQ staff

The Democratic Alliance is retrenching administrative staff in a restructuring of its operations, but says it is not the result of a cash crunch.

Twenty-seven support staff, including secretaries, have received letters informing them of the planned retrenchments.

Those affected will be asked to re-apply for their positions and to consider applying for other positions which might become vacant as a result of the restructuring process.

DA CEO Jonathan Moakes said the party had undertaken an assessment of its operational structure after the local government elections.

He said the restructuring would affect not only secretaries, but would cut across all levels of administration, including some directors whose positions would become redundant.

The restructuring was limited to head office for now. A similar process would be undertaken in the provinces .

"We are undergoing restructuring because of operational requirements to align to our strategic objectives. It's got nothing to do with financial constraints," he said.

The ANC underwent a similar process after the 2009 elections when it lost about 30 seats.