/ 21 June 2004

‘Mild rebuke’ for Ngcuka

Parliament’s ad hoc committee, considering the Public Protector’s controversial report on Deputy President Jacob Zuma’s complaint about National Prosecutions Authority head Bulelani Ngcuka, has almost completed its work.

On Monday the committee, headed by Ismail Vadi of the African National Congress, agreed there was a need for Parliament to express its dissatisfaction with Ngcuka’s handling of the investigation against Zuma.

”There is a need for a mild rebuke,” said Vadi.

In his report, Public Protector Lawrence Mushwana recommended Ngcuka be held accountable by Parliament.

His report, presented to Parliament on May 28, found it had been ”unfair and improper” for Ngcuka to have said publicly there was a prima facie case of corruption against Zuma, but that Zuma would not be prosecuted.

He said a public statement by Ngcuka had impaired Zuma’s dignity and improperly prejudiced him.

The ad hoc committee will on Tuesday go through a draft of its report which will be tabled in the National Assembly on Friday.

The draft report will include the background on the saga and the recommendations made by the Public Protector on how the matter should be handled.

”We are noting the recommendations… not expressing a clear view on his recommendations,” Vadi said.

The committee’s own recommendations which included the National Assembly expressing its disapproval would form part of the report. – Sapa