Mushwana, Ngcuka saga closed (original) (raw)

Cape Town - The battle between National Director of Public Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka and Public Protector Lawrence Mushwana was finally closed on Friday when the National Assembly adopted a special committee's report on a probe into the matter.

Deputy President Jacob Zuma lodged a complaint with Mushwana after Ngcuka stated there was a prima facie case of corruption against the deputy president, but he would not be prosecuted.

Introducing debate on the report on Friday, chairperson of the special committee, Ismail Vadi, said parliament needed to be more proactive in its oversight function, and hold individuals accountable for their actions.

"Perhaps we have become complacent and not bold enough to hold people accountable. We think we need to take more seriously our oversight function."

He said there had never been a question of supporting Mushwana over Ngcuka, or vice versa.

"For our democracy to thrive, it is important that we promote the stature of both institutions."

The committee accepted seven of Mushwana's ten findings. It expressed no opinion on the remaining three.

It noted Mushwana's recommendation that Ngcuka be held accountable for infringing Zuma's right to human dignity, and for not co-operating with the Public Protector's office during its investigation.

However, the committee put forward its own recommendation that the House express its disapproval of Ngcuka's statement by adopting the report.

"Verbal warfare"

Vadi said it was unfortunate that remarks made to the media created the impression of "verbal warfare" within the committee.

DA MP Sheila Camerer said her party could not agree with the committee's acceptance of the Public Protector's finding that Ngcuka had infringed Zuma's right to human dignity.

"Our reasons are that the ANC majority refused to hear evidence, or accept a submission from advocate Ngcuka, on why he acted as he did and the context in which he made the statements complained of."

She said while it was never the DA's intention to re-open the investigation, the party believed it was crucial to get evidence from Ngcuka to decide whether his actions where justified.

ANC MP Richard Baloyi said it had appeared that yet again the DA had underestimated the ANC.

"They thought we were going to recommend that actions be taken against individuals; they never imagined that we would adopt a more reconciliatory standing, as we did."

Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille questioned why Mushwana had not subpoenaed Ngcuka and former Justice Minister Penuell Maduna when they refused to co-operate with him.

"Perhaps his actions and report were a little premature. Maybe he should have exercised all his powers before submitting the report."

IFP MP Koos van der Merwe said he regretted Ngcuka was not allowed to make a submission to the committee.

"We hope that the two will now put this to bed and work together."