DA submits PAIA on McBride nomination

The DA has been informed that the crucial legal qualification necessary for the Executive Director of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) post was excised from the job advertisement, and the obvious conclusion is that it was thus tailor-made for Robert McBride, who has no legal qualification at all. 

This is a prime requirement and was in the initial advertisement put out for the head of this division. 

The DA will therefore today submit a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application to gain access to all documentation pertaining to the nomination of Robert McBride as the Head of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). It is absolutely necessary that South Africa knows who the other candidates for this position were, and what their qualifications are.

According to Police Minister, Nathi Mthethwa: "The process of appointing a permanent head was carried through advertising the position via media platforms and various public service circulars.  Mr McBride was the successful candidate following the shortlisting, interviewing processes as well as Cabinet's endorsement."

It is highly doubtful, considering McBride's scandal-ridden past, that he would have been the best candidate for the post following a rigorous interview process. 

In the PAIA application the DA will request the following documentation: 

• A list of all the advertisements placed for the position;
• A list of all the shortlisted candidates and their CVs;
• The criteria list for the position of the Executive Director of the IPID; 
• A detailed brief on why Robert McBride was considered to be the best candidate in comparison to the other interviewees; and
• Minutes of the interviews conducted.

Our security agencies have lurched from crisis to crisis largely as a result of the political appointments of unsuitable candidates. Enough is enough. 

The DA will not rest until all our security agencies, including SAPS, Crime Intelligence, and indeed, the IPID are led by fit for purpose candidates with unsullied records. 

Statement issued by Dianne Kohler Barnard MP, DA Shadow Minister of Police, November 13 2013

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