RECONSIDERATION OF REPORT ON APPOINTMENT OF INSPECTOR GENERAL OF INTELLIGENCE

16 March 2016

The ANC Chief Whip in Parliament will this afternoon table a motion before the National Assembly proposing that the report of the appointment of the Inspector General of Intelligence be referred back to the committee for review. The committee report on the appointment of the new inspector general has, regrettably, been the subject of unfortunate delays which we do believe augurs well for the image and public’s confidence in this important public institution.

The Office of Inspector General is an independent Constitutional institution whose mandate is to, amongst others; investigate complaints of alleged maladministration, abuse of power, and transgressions of the Constitution, laws or policies; corruption or fraud by intelligence services.

We have no doubt regarding the capability of the recommended candidate, Adv. Cecil Burgess – who certainly met all the prescribed requirements for the post – to discharge the duties of the office independently and professionally as directed by the Constitution and the Act. However, in the spirit of consensus-building and inclusivity, we saw it appropriate to refer the matter back to the committee to ensure that there is a broader and sufficient consultation around the candidate.

The ANC is mindful of the urgency with which the post of the Inspector General of Intelligence, which has been vacant for a while now, must be filled. We are confident that the consensus that will be sought by the committee process will expedite the appointment of the new inspector general.

Statement issued by the Office of the ANC Chief Whip, 16 March 2016