Adv. Pansy Tlakula must be suspended

The Public Protector, Adv. Thuli Madonsela, has found that there were ‘gross irregularities' in the lease deal for the new Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) headquarters. In addition, she has found Adv. Pansy Tlakula guilty of improper conduct in the procurement process of this lease.

The matter will apparently be referred to the Speaker of Parliament and the Commission. In the interim, Adv Tlakula must be suspended as the Chairperson of the IEC. As head of the IEC, there should be no questions around her integrity or conduct.

The DA will be writing to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs to request an urgent meeting to discuss the findings of the Public Protector's investigation.

The R320 million lease deal for the new IEC offices was investigated by the Public Protector due to alleged maladministration and corruption in the procurement process. The Public Protector stated that Adv. Tlakula could have easily avoided any conflict of interest by removing herself from the procurement process or declaring her involvement with Lehotsa Investments. The fact that she did not do so, raises serious questions.

The DA looks forward to the Speaker and IEC's decision on the Public Protector's report and trusts Adv. Tlakula will be suspended whilst the matter is being considered.

Statement issued by Manny de Freitas MP, DA Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, August 26 2013

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