By Hon. N. Singh MP
IFP Chief Whip in Parliament
The IFP welcomes the Constitutional Court (Concourt) Ruling this morning that the appointment of National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Head, Mr Shaun Abrahams, by former disgraced President Jacob Zuma was unlawful.
Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga found that the manner in which former NPA Head Mxolisi Nxasana vacated office was invalid.
Justice Madlanga found that that Mr Nxasana’s golden-handhake by former President Jacob Zuma compromised the independence of the office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), which rendered his vacation of office invalid.
We are cautiously optimistic in the appointment of a new NDPP within 90 days, by President Cyril Ramaphosa as instructed by the court; however as the IFP we believe that this process should be handled by Parliament with recommendations made to the President.
If Parliament were to handle the process, it would be done in a more open and transparent manner, free from political meddling. This would follow the same processes and procedure in the appointments of the Public Protector or the Human Rights commissioner.
It is high time that the NPA is rid of rot as it has been plagued by corruption for a number of years now.
Mr Nxasana’s repayment of over R10 million to the state will be very closely monitored.
Today’s ruling by the ConCourt is another victory for justice, fairness and transparency.
We will fully cooperate and give effect to all suggestions made by the ConCourt ruling today, which found that certain sections of the NPA Act is constitutionally invalid and Parliament has 18 months to ensure necessary amendments are made to the NPA Act.
Media Enquiries:
Narend Singh MP
IFP Chief Whip in Parliament
083 788 5945
