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.