Public Protector disappointed with Premier Mabuyane’s conduct, calls upon him to respect oath of office

The Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) wishes to register its disappointment at Eastern Cape Premier, Mr Oscar Manuyane’s continued public display of conduct unbecoming of a person occupying his position. Ever since the release last October of an investigation report in which Premier Mabuyane, MEC Babalo Madikizela and the provincial ANC were found to have benefited in the amount of R450 000, R350 000 and R280 000 respectively from the R1.1million syphoned from provincial government coffers, Mr Mabuyane appears to be running a campaign to discredit not only the report but the work of the PPSA in general.

It has been brought to the PPSA’s attention that Premier Mabuyane was at it again during an event to mark the 110th anniversary of the ANC in Ngcobo at the weekend. For the record, Premier Mabuyane, along with MEC Madikizela, took the investigation report in question on review as he is entitled to. He also secured an interim interdict against the implementation of the remedial action, another move that the PPSA encourages. This approach alone suggested that Premier Mabuyane trusts in the courts to serve justice and believes in his version of events. It is not clear then why he appears bent on engaging in contemptuous conduct against the PPSA instead of giving the courts the space and time to decide on the matter.

The PPSA calls on Mr Mabuyane to respect the oath of office he took, in terms of which he swore to be faithful to, obey, respect and uphold the Constitution of the Republic. Part and parcel of respecting the Constitution is living up to the the provisions of section 181 of the Constitution and, in particular, subsection 3 thereof, which enjoins other organs of state to support and assist independent constitutional institutions such as the PPSA to ensure their independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness. End