Ethics and Members’ Interests Committee responds to the Public Protector

The Public Protector has received correspondence from the Chairpersons of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests in response to her recommendations regarding amendments to the Executive Members’ Ethics Act and the Executive Ethics Code. The letter was received on Monday, 28 June 2010.

In the letter, the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests informs the Public Protector that it is still waiting for the outcome of the review of the Executive Ethics Code by the Presidency and the Department of Justice before it considers the matter. The Committee also expresses regret for any delay caused.

This follows the Cabinet statement, issued on Thursday, 6 May 2010, that the Presidency and the Department of Justice would be reviewing the Code and addressing the shortcomings identified by the Public Protector.

The Public Protector will monitor and follow up on progress. She will also establish timeframes with the authorities involved.