Tlakula resignation 'overdue'

Embattled Independent Electoral Commission chairman Pansy Tlakula's most ardent detractor has welcomed her "long-overdue resignation", calling it a warning to other "hyenas".

United Democratic Movement president Bantu Holomisa said last night that Tlakula's resignation should be a lesson to those who occupied high positions that the country's checks and balances, "if utilised properly, can protect South Africa from these hyenas".

The IEC confirmed Tlakula's resignation yesterday, saying it "opened the way for the commission to begin closing a particularly challenging and tumultuous period in its history".

"We hope history will show Tlakula made a significant contribution to deepening electoral democracy both here and outside South Africa."

Tlakula could not be reached yesterday, but the Mail & Guardian reported that she gave her resignation letter to President Jacob Zuma on Monday.

She has reportedly flown to Gambia as the African Union's special rapporteur on freedom of expression and access to information in Africa.

For months Tlakula has fought a battle over a flawed multimillion-rand IEC leasing deal.

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela last year found that the R320-million lease breached procurement rules.