Public Protector is sadly proving us right

21 October 2016

The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes with surprise and concern the decision this afternoon by Public Protector, Adv Busisiwe Mkhwebane, to not stand up to President Zuma’s stall tactics and challenge the baseless interdict application by Zuma, seeking to halt the release of the report into State Capture.

The DA will fight in court on 2 November to ensure this meritless interdict brought by Jacob Zuma as a stalling tactic is thrown out of court. The report into State Capture must be made public “as soon as possible” so that the recommendations therein – which are legally binding - are actioned.

I requested this investigation back in March this year, for then Public Protector, Adv Thuli Madonsela, to investigate the alleged project of State Capture by President Zuma and his friends – the infamous Gupta family.

Before Adv Madonsela served her last day in office, she went on record to state that this report is in fact complete, finalised and ready for release. However, Jacob Zuma, knowing full well that the explosive contents of this report, and its recommendations would be binding on him, has approached the North Gauteng High Court to interdict the release of this report based on frivolous and unsubstantiated reasons. The report has yet to be released.

The DA has joined this case, and will be in Court on 2 November to fight Jacob Zuma’s interdict and ensure this report is released and made public. 

It is concerning that the new Public Protector – after just two weeks in office – is increasingly showing signs of being subservient to the Executive. This is not only counter to her constitutional mandate, but also does not instil confidence in the public that she will in fact carry out her duties without fear, favour or prejudice.

Statement issued by DA leader, Mmusi Maimane, 22 October 2016