The South African Human Rights Commission (Commission or the SAHRC) welcomes the decision by Mr. Nhlanhla Nene, to resign as the Minister of Finance following questions around his ethical conduct. The Commission also commends President of the Republic, Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, for accepting the resignation.

The decision by Mr. Nene, brought about by unfortunate events, augur very well in holding those holding public office to the highest levels of ethical conduct and integrity required by our constitution and expected by our people. As the Supreme Court of Appeal stated in 2011, in the matter, Public Protector v Mail&Guardian Ltd and Others 2011 4 SA 420 (SCA): "Truth and deceit know no status or occupation. One expects integrity from high office but experience shows that at times it is not there..." Therefore both Mr. Nene and President Ramaphosa should be commended for this difficult but courageous and important decision which will certainly enhance good governance in our country.

The SAHRC, in this regard, calls upon the President to exert the same standards applied to Mr. Nene to other Ministers and other public office bearers, particularly those that have already been found by our courts to have acted in a manner not befitting the public office they hold.

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission