MEMBER'S STATEMENT BY INDEPENDENT DEMOCRATS LEADER, PATRICIA DE LILLE, ON REPORT OF ADHOC JOINT COMMITTEE ON MATTERS OF NPA ACT, FEBRUARY 12 2009

‘We in the Independent Democrats do not see the point of spending millions of rand on these type of commissions, when government repeatedly rejects and shows scant regard for their recommendations.

Just like the findings of the Khampepe Commission and the Van Zyl Slabbert Report before it, so have the recommendations of the Ginwala Commission been rejected by the current President and Parliament.

The fact that the President relieved Mr Pikoli of his duties despite the Commission's findings that he carried out his duties without fear or favour, is unacceptable.

Saying that Pikoli did not fully understand national security interests holds no water for the ID.

National security is too often used by the ANC as a disguise for the protection of its narrow political interests.

There is absolutely no proof of any breach of national security.

The way the Adhoc committee dealt with this matter was unfair and not objective - the Adhoc committee simply rubberstamped a decision already made at Luthuli House.

The two Chairpersons' acted like Tweedledumb and Tweedledee - nodding in agreement with each other; even agreeing on things that were wrong.'

The fact that Advocate Pikoli is taking this issue to court shows that once again, in an instance where the findings of a commission are ignored by the Executive and Parliament, the courts will be the final adjudicator.'

Statement issued by the Independent Democrats, February 12 2009

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