DA: President must use state of the nation to appoint a permanent head of SIU

Imogen Vollenhoven
13 February 2013

The Democratic Alliance on Tuesday said President Jacob Zuma must use the State of the Nation Address to appoint a Special Investigating Unit Head.

DA said acting Head Advocate Nomvula Mokhatla has over the last year, shown that she is either unable or unwilling to take charge of the unit and run it in a manner that is beyond reproach.

DA Shadow Deputy Minster of Justice and Constitutional Development Debbie Schafer said the Presidents failure to appoint a permanent head for 14 months, especially under these conditions leaves the DA no choice option but to assume that the president approves of what is going on there.

Schafer adds that this completely undermines the president’s state of commitment to fighting corruption and unfortunately contributes to the increasing lack of investor confidence in the country.

Schafer said that the DA hopes that the president will put an end to the misery in the SIU on Thursday and appoint a credible permanent head of the unit.

Schafer adds that it goes without saying that neither Advocate Mokhatla nor Miss Nyathi would fit that description.