ANC welcomes McBride IPID nomination
The ANC Western Cape welcomes the announcement that a hero, patriot and committed civil servant to the People of South Africa Robert McBride has been recommended as the new head of the oversight watchdog, the Independent Policing Investigative Directorate (IPID).
Comrade McBride is more than suitably qualified for the position and his appointment can only serve to advance IPID and the cause of civilian oversight of SAPS. He has the necessary qualifications, including post-graduate degrees and diplomas in policing and international relations.
He has the necessary skills, commitment, attitude and patriotism as well as extensive experience as a senior and executive manager within government and the security cluster in particular - spanning almost 2 decades. Having begun his career as a cadre and commander of Mkhonto We Sizwe (MK) and having served as a Metro Police Chief and a senior diplomat in DIRCO amongst others, his career is one of service to the people.
We believe that given his extensive qualifications, skills, energy and experience, McBride is the best person to ensure that IPID will fulfill its vision, mission and legislative mandate of civilian oversight.
We are therefore deeply disgusted and disappointed, but hardly surprised at the resistance to this announcement displayed by the opposition parties in general and the DA in particular. It seems that every time black African and coloured heroes of our communities and anti-apartheid struggle who successfully rise up from our working class and poor communities and are appointed into positions of power, the DA screams that they are not sufficiently "fit for purpose". In reality what the DA means is that our African and coloured leaders and heroes whether in government or the private sector are not sufficiently "wit for purpose".
In the case of McBride, the DA supported by the media have consistently demonized this cadre since the dawn of our democracy, when in fact he has never been found guilty of any criminal conduct by a court of law, other than fighting the unjust system of apartheid as a hero and cadre of Mkhonto We Sizwe.
The ANC Western Cape is committed to transformation of all organs of state and civil society in order to build a society that is united, just, free, fair, democratic and in which all can enjoy prosperity. McBride has served every deployment prior to 1994 with distinction, and post 1994 he has proven his mettle as a disciplined, devoted and committed servant of the people of South Africa. We therefore unreservedly welcome his appointment and watch with eagerness as he brings his unique skills set to bear on this important organ of civilian policing oversight.
Statement issued by ANC Western Cape leader Marius Fransman, November 14 2013
Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter
