The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development rejects an article by the Mail & Guardian newspaper (dated 16 November 2012) which says the Committee intends grilling the Public Protector during a public hearing into allegations of misconduct against her Office.
 
Under no circumstances does the Committee intend “roasting” Advocate Thuli Madonsela. Although this might be some people’s perception, in reality the Committee will merely be performing its oversight function. Mr Luwellyn Landers, Committee Chairperson, says it does not mean that because the ad hoc committee that investigated sexual harassment allegations in the office of the previous public protector held its hearings behind closed doors the same rule should apply to this investigation.
 
“For the Mail & Guardian - the champions of the right to know, media freedom and transparency - to now advocate and call for a closed hearing because it involves the Public Protector, is difficult to believe”. Mr Landers says the paper’s article conveniently makes no mention of the fact that it was the Public Protector herself that brought the complaints about her Office to the attention of Parliament, asking for an investigation.
 

The Committee agrees that the Public Protector is not untouchable and remains accountable to Parliament. The Committee also intends to have an engagement with the outgoing deputy Public Protector, Advocate Mamiki Shai regarding the allegations she made. Advocate Shai’s contract expires on 30 November 2012.