Public participation for 'check and balances'

The team appointed by Ramaphosa is chaired by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, and comprised of South African Human Rights Commission chairperson, Rev Chris Nissen, Commission for Gender Equality chairperson advocate Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale, Auditor-General South Africa Tsakani Maluleke, Public Service Commission chairperson Professor Somadoda Fikeni and Black Lawyers Association and National Association of Democratic Lawyers representatives.

- 

The CSWG, a coalition of more than 20 civil society organisations lobbying against corruption, welcomed the panel but wants the voice of ordinary people to be represented.

In a letter written to Ramaphosa on Thursday, the CSWG said he should reexamine the process.

It says the team did not fully give effect to the principle of transparency.

They said the public participation in the process would introduce appropriate checks and balances without taking away the president’s prerogative constitutional right to appoint the NDPP.

The CSWG also called for transparency in the appointment of the Deputy National Directors of Public Prosecutions (DNDPPs).

“The CSWG strongly advocates for the DNDPP appointment to be a transparent process similar to the selection of the NDPP,” it said.

It also wanted to know who does the vetting, and what the vetting process takes into account.

“The NPA is a vital institution that plays a central role in protecting public safety and upholding the rule of law.