racism
27 February 2009
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) views in a serious light a
proliferation of alleged incidents of racism in the NPA recently reported in
the media. Racism can neither be tolerated nor be justified in the NPA. It is a
phenomenon that cannot be allowed to cement itself in the NPA, however way it
manifests itself. The NPA wishes to put it on record that all allegations of
racism that have been brought to the attention of NPA have been addressed, and
dealt with. However, the allegations, whether rightly or wrongly persist. At a
recent senior management meeting, the NPA has decided that an objective,
impartial and disinterested party, like the South African Human Rights
Commission (SAHRC), should look into allegations of racism across the entire
NPA.
We have learnt that racism in the NPA and the Department of Justice (DoJ)
was discussed at the Bargaining Chamber. Furthermore we have learnt that a
stakeholder task team comprising of representatives from the NPA, the DoJ and
organised labour unions will look into the matter. The task team will consider
various proposals from the stakeholders including the terms of reference in
addressing this challenge.
To demonstrate its resolve towards rooting out racism, the NPA will propose
that an institution like the SAHRC be requested to probe allegations of racism
in the NPA as a whole and later provide their findings and recommendations.
The task team is set to meet in March this year to deliberate on the issue
and decide on how to handle the process going forward.
We reiterate our position that, racism cannot be condoned and that provided
they are reported, all such incidents of racism, whether suspected, perceived
or real will continue to receive attention in the NPA. In addition the NPA
undertakes to co-operate fully with any such institution and/or participate in
such processes that will at the end ensure that members of staff operate in a
racism-free environment and that justice is dispensed impartially.
For enquiries contact:
Tlali Tlali
Cell: 082 333 3880
Issued by: National Prosecuting Authority
27 February 2009
