Committee to decide on Tlakula

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela and embattled electoral commission chief Pansy Tlakula might be summoned to appear before a special parliamentary committee.

Parliament has adopted a resolution that allows it to constitute a multiparty ad hoc committee to decide what action should be taken against Tlakula for improper conduct and maladministration in the procurement of offices for the Independent Electoral Commission in Centurion, Pretoria.

Madonsela found that Tlakula had an undeclared relationship with ANC MP Thaba Mufamadi, who had an interest in the company with which the lease for the offices was signed.

The elections chief has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, but Madonsela recommended that parliament consider taking action against her.

ANC chief whip Stone Sizani said yesterday that an ad hoc committee would consider what steps should be taken in the Tlakula case.

He could not say whether Mandonsela and Tlakula would be called before the committee because, he said, this would be decided by the committee at its first meeting.

"It depends on them; they will sit and consider the issues. They will also call for more information if they do not have adequate information. Whether the public protector represents [herself] in writing or in person depends entirely on them," Sizani said.

Kimi Makwetu, the incumbent deputy auditor-general, has been endorsed "as the most suitable" candidate to replace Terence Nombembe as auditor-general when his contract expires at the end of November.

Makwetu defeated MTN executive Lily Zondo in the running for the job. Parliament's recommendation that Makwetu be appointed will be sent to President Jacob Zuma for approval.