EFF rejects decision to allow external donor-funding to the National Prosecuting Authority

12 January 2023

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) rejects with contempt the corrupt decision to allow for external donor-funding to finance the prosecution of high-profile cases by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). This decision opens up the NPA to capture, manipulation and vindictive use by those who will use their wealth to fund the prosecution of their enemies.

In an irrational and short-sighted move, the ill-informed Minister of Justice Ronald Lamola announced that the NPA would accept donor funding to curb the existing budgetary constraints which have arisen as a result of the recent State Capture Commission of Inquiry. The Commission, which was a fruitless exercise in pursuit of factional vendettas is today being used as a rationale to capture and compromise the National Prosecuting Authority.

Lamola has announced that measures have been put in place to regulate donations, which include protocols such as donations in-kind being received by the Deputy Director General of the NPA, while cash donations would be channelled through National Treasury.

The EFF rejects this decision as it surrenders a critical state-institution to the hands of capital. It is a decision that will drastically compromise the NPA and bastardise its mandate, objectives and direction, turning it into a weapon in the hands of the rich. An institution such as the National Prosecuting Authority must at all material times maintain its independence objectively and in terms of perception.

The moment monetary donations dictate the prosecution capacity of the NPA, is when justice will be determined by the pockets of those with vested interests in eliminating their rivals or hiding their criminality. It is telling of how nä1Ve and foolish the Minister of Justice is, in that he has no appreciation of how this decision jeopardises the independence and neutrality of the National Prosecuting Authority.

The EFF will oppose this decision legislatively and will explore all available legal options to oppose it. To allow external-donations to the National Prosecuting Authority will leave the institution vulnerable to the capitalist class who will distort justice to serve their nefarious ends.

Issued by Sinawo Thambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 12 January 2023