Affairs
13 September 2007
The Public Protector has decided to conduct a preliminary own initiative
investigation into allegations of improper conduct against the Deputy Minister
of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba. It was alleged in the media that the Deputy
Minister sent flowers to his wife at the expense of the department. Further it
was alleged that the Deputy Minister established a private organisation known
as "The Malusi Gigaba Institute of Leadership" which was run from his office.
The department allegedly paid on several occasions for the flight tickets and
car rental of several individuals associated with this organisation.
Public Protector Advocate Mabedle Lawrence Mushwana has written a letter
informing the Deputy Minister of the intention to institute an own initiative
investigation against him. Section 6(4) of the Public Protector Act, 1994
provides, inter alia, that the Public Protector shall be competent to
investigate at his or her own initiative any alleged maladministration in
connection with the affairs of government at any level, improper conduct by a
person performing a public function or improper act with respect to public
money.
In terms of the section 7(1) of the Act, the Public Protector can conduct a
preliminary investigation for the purpose of determining the merits of the
allegations and the manner in which the matter concerned should be dealt with.
The Public Protector's office is established in terms of Chapter 9 of the
Constitution of South Africa. It strengthens our young constitutional democracy
through, among others, investigating maladministration, delays in service
delivery and allegations of impropriety or prejudice by public administration
in any sphere of government.
It is an office of last resort, meaning that all other avenues to address a
complaint must be exhausted before the Public Protector is approached. It does
not investigate court decisions and its services are free.
For more information contact:
Charles Phahlane
Tel: 012 366 7006
E-mail: 082 856 8188
Buyiselo Eric Ndiyane
Manager: Communications
Tel: 012 366 7035
Cell: 082 563 0463
Cell: 082 379 9995
E-mail:buyiselon@pprotect.org
Issued by: Office of the Public Protector
13 September 2007
Source: SAPA
