Menzi Simelane appointed special adviser to Lindiwe Sisulu

Former National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Menzi Simelane has been appointed special adviser to Public Service Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, it was reported on Sunday.

Public service spokesman Ndivhuwo Mabaya said Simelane was employed by the justice department and seconded to the public service department while his contract with the former was being finalised, The Sunday Independent reported.

"The fact that there was a case that was critical of him does not make him less of an advocate," he said.

"We are very much aware of all that has been said, but he is a good adviser and is doing a good job."

In October, the Constitutional Court confirmed a Supreme Court of Appeal ruling in favour of the Democratic Alliance that President Jacob Zuma's decision to appoint Simelane as NDPP was invalid.

This followed a long-running DA submission that Zuma had not properly considered Simelane's appointment, and had only had Simelane in mind.

Justice spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga said the department was "not aware of any formal assumption of duty" in Sisulu's office.

Simelane told the newspaper Sisulu asked him to help and provide legal advice.

"The... judgment did not end my employer-employee relationship with government," he said.

"Contrary to what the media writes the judgment did not say that 'Simelane is not a fit and proper person'... ."