Thuli Madonsela Committee

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – JANUARY 16: Former Public Protector; Advocate Thuli Madonsela speaks during a media conference at the Cape Town Press Club on January 16, 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. When asked whether she would avail herself for the country’s to job, Madonsela said she has no desire to run for South Africa’s presidency. (Photo by Gallo Images / Die Burger / Lulama Zenzile)

Committee insists Madonsela must testify in Public Protector matter after she declines

The Committee has insisted that the former Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela, must appear before it to answer questions.

Thuli Madonsela Committee

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – JANUARY 16: Former Public Protector; Advocate Thuli Madonsela speaks during a media conference at the Cape Town Press Club on January 16, 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. When asked whether she would avail herself for the country’s to job, Madonsela said she has no desire to run for South Africa’s presidency. (Photo by Gallo Images / Die Burger / Lulama Zenzile)

The Committee for Section 194 Enquiry into the Public Protector’s, Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane, fitness to hold office insists that the former Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela, must appear before it to answer questions.

COMMITTEE FOR SECTION 194 ENQUIRY INSISTS MADONSELA MUST TESTIFY

The Section 194 Committee reaffirmed the decision to summon Madonsela, which it took last week after the former PP declined the request in a letter.

“Committee Chairperson, Mr Qubudile Dyantyi, said the committee agreed last week that Adv Madonsela could add value to the process as she handled some of the investigations that are before the committee.

“He further stated that the decision was based on a request by Adv Mkhwebane, who had approached Adv Madonsela in November last year requesting her assistance to the committee,” read the statement.

SUMMONING PROCESS TO CONTINUE

In her letter, Madonsela said she does not see the rational connection between the majority of the matters Mkhwebane’s team wishes to put to her and the inquiry, which stems from court judgements regarding Mkhwebane’s integrity, honesty and professional competence.

“Having left the institution more than six years ago, it is the institution that is best suited to respond to questions regarding its relationship with organs of state in line with its constitutional position as an independent constitutional institution that is set up to hold other organs of state accountable, including the State Security Agency,” said Madonsela in her letter.

The former PP stated that the information being sought is still within the  Public Protector’s Office and added that she did not take any records or emails with her when her tenure ended.

The Committee still felt that Madonsela could contribute to the work of the Committee, according to Dyanti, especially regarding matters related to the delay of some of the key investigations.

The summoning process will continue.

The enquiry’s hearing will resume on 13 February. The Committee was established by the National Assembly on 16 March 2021 to conduct a Constitutional inquiry into Mkhwebane’s fitness for office.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY STORM SIMPSON

READ: