Protocol breach sparks probe

Mandela annual lecture marred by legal misstep.

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

The South African government has launched an internal investigation after United Nations special rapporteur Francesca Albanese was served court papers during her visit to deliver the 23rd Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The summons, delivered without ministerial authorisation, has sparked embarrassment for both the state and the Nelson Mandela Foundation, raising concerns over protocol breaches and the politicisation of legal processes involving international guests.

Albanese was surprised by court papers delivered to her by the sheriff of the court allegedly using irregular processes.

The papers were unauthorised, as neither Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, nor the department's acting director-general, was aware of them, nor were they consulted about them.