Ombud investigation clears Legal Practice Council and CEO of wrongdoing

THE Legal Practice Council (LPC) and its chief executive officer Charity Nzuza, who was accused of maladministration, have been cleared of any wrongdoing with the Legal Service Ombud finding no evidence to support the allegations.

- MANYANE MANYANE

This was after the Legal Services Ombud established an inquiry following allegations levelled against Nzuza and Alida Janse Van Rensburg, director of the Northern Cape provincial office.

The allegations included, among others, financial mismanagement, poor treatment of senior managers and unlawful instructions to alter candidates’ examination marks, as well as poor governance and a lack of transparency.

The Ombud said the allegations were unsubstantiated and without merit. This was after a whistleblower lodged a complaint with the Legal Service Ombud and the LPC, which resolved that the Legal Services Ombud, as the oversight body for the legal profession, should investigate the allegations.

Nzuza was also accused of abusing her powers in seeking to charge the whistleblower for alleged misconduct.

Responding to the report, Nzuza said: “I welcome the Ombud’s report and its affirmation of the integrity of our processes and leadership. This has been a challenging period, but I am grateful for the opportunity to have the truth established through an independent and transparent process. I remain committed to serving the legal profession with dedication and to strengthening the governance of the LPC.”