Following the findings of the public protector, Corruption Watch is calling for the removal of the minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, Tina Joemat-Pettersson and former minister of communication, Dina Pule, from public office.
CW’s executive director, David Lewis said the public protector has presented enough evidence for government to act tough on both leaders: “The public protector has effectively confirmed that these two leaders are unfit to oversee and manage public funds. They have failed the public and must not be allowed to continue to serve.”
The call comes after the public protector presented reports at a press conference earlier today, revealing maladministration and unethical behaviour by Joemat-Pettersson and Pule, as well as the alleged failure to deliver work books in the Eastern Cape. The public protector found that Pule’s conduct was at odds with sections of the Constitution as the then Cabinet minister, when she used her position to improperly benefit her romantic partner.
Joemat-Pettersson was found to have interfered with the PP’s investigation, violating both the Constitution and the Public Protector Act.
“It seems both leaders have shown a blatant disregard for the highest law in the land, are certainly not fit for public office and should in fact face criminal charges,” Lewis said.
The Office of the Public Protector appeared to have done an extensive investigation into all three cases presented on Thursday, 5 December 2013, and exercised its mind over the findings.
The office deserves to be respected and its recommendations should be well considered and acted upon.
“Ignoring the Public Protector’s recommendations will send a clear message that political leaders can act with impunity and our systems of accountability are toothless,” Lewis added.
Corruption Watch is also calling for the ANC’s integrity committee to consider the public protector’s report and hold the members accountable.
Download the press statement as a pdf.
For more information:
David Lewis – 0825763748
Bongi Mlangeni – 0768629086
Following the findings of the public protector, which were revealed at a media briefing on 5 December, Corruption Watch is calling for the removal of the minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, Tina Joemat-Pettersson, and former minister of communication Dina Pule, from public office.
