R2K Statement: Parliament fails to appoint Inspector General of Intelligence - 8 months later
We are dismayed at Parliament's failure to nominate someone to fill the vacant role of Inspector General of Intelligence.
The Office of Inspector General of Intelligence is a crucial watchdog against surveillance and abuse of power in the intelligence structures, provided for by the Constitution. For the past eight months, there has been no Inspector General of Intelligence.
Parliament has the responsibility of nominating a new candidate. By law, this person must be independent and credible and must be nominated by at least two thirds of the National Assembly.
After eight months, Parliament has yet to put this matter to a vote. Today's Business Day reports that the matter is, once again, delayed.
This may be because the preferred candidate, former MP Cecil Burgess, does not have enough support to be voted through. If one candidate does not have the necessary support, another candidate must be put forward – but this matter cannot continue to be buried at the bottom of Parliament's programme.