DA determined to find impartial IGI candidate

6 April 2016

The DA notes the re-advertisement of the Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) vacancy and hope that this will be the first phase in a transparent process to finally fill the position.

Considering the high calibre of candidate this position requires, we are concerned that the stipulated closing date for applicants, Wednesday, 13 April 2016, is too narrow a window and will cap the quantity and in turn quality of candidate applications received.

Further, it is of the utmost importance for the preservation of Parliament’s tenets of transparency and accountability, and the minimisation of political interference, that the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) conduct the subsequent candidate interviews in open meetings.

Last year ANC members of the JSCI insisted on closed meetings, and behind closed doors bullied the opposition, abused parliamentary processes, and imposed their preferred, politically compromised candidate, Cecil Burgess on Parliament. Their insistence on such a compromised candidate led to an unfortunate year-long vacancy and three failed attempts in the National Assembly to have him fill it.

This cannot reoccur. The DA has long advocated that the IGI be a retired judge who would serve the office impartially and independently. This would also prohibit the recent back-alley lobbying, cadre deployment and political interference we have witnessed within the IGI’s office. We call on members of the JSCI to support this proposal, and all qualified candidates who fit the criteria to apply.

It is high time Parliament finalises the IGI appointment, and the DA is prepared to work with all parties to ensure that it is done in transparent manner that leads to the appointment of an impartial candidate who will prioritise the principles of the Constitution and keep our intelligence services accountable. 

Issued by John Steenhuisen, Chief Whip of the Democratic Alliance, 6 April 2016