Public Protector, Inspector General of Intelligence sign MOU
Friday, 12 November 2010
Public Protector Adv Thuli Madonsela and the Inspector General
(IG) of Intelligence Adv Faith Radebe today singed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU), which is set to inform the nature of
cooperation between the two constitutional institutions with
oversight roles.
The MOU will cover various aspects of the two institutions’
work, including referral of complaints relating to intelligence
services, where appropriate, sharing of information with bearings
on their respective mandates, best practices and joint outreach
programs, where appropriate.
Previously, there was no clear terms regarding the handling of
complaints that may fall within the ambit of either of the two
institutions. This was mainly due to the Public Protector’s broad
oversight responsibility over the entire public sector, which
includes improper conduct by the security sector.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Public Protector said
it was important that the IG’s office deals with complaints
relating to intelligence issues, as the office would be in a
position to treat such matters with the sensitivity they deserves.
She further pointed out that she was happy that her recommendations
that a military ombudsman be established within the Department of
Defence and Military Veterans was accepted by the Minister concerned
in May 2010 and that a draft bill to this effect had since been proposed
by the Minister with her input.
Adv Radebe committed to work together with the Public Protector,
sharing resources where possible on investigations, among other things.
Although the MOU became effective today and will be in force for a
period of three years, cooperation between the Public protector and
the Inspector General of Intelligence has been taking place since the
first meeting between the two heads, which took place earlier this year.
Issued by:
Oupa Segalwe
Manager: Outreach, Education and Communication
Public Protector South Africa
(012) 366 7035
072 264 3273
oupas@pprotect.org
www.publicprotector.org
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