Public Protector to investigate the
Deputy Minister of Home 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 Adv 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 on 012 366 7006
or 082 856 8188.
For media releases, speeches and reports visit the Public
Protector’s website
www.publicprotector.org.
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