Public Protector, Inspector General of Intelligence sign MOU

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