Johannesburg - The appointment of a permanent Special Investigating Unit head will test President Jacob Zuma's credibility, the DA said on Monday.
“Under acting head advocate Nomvula Mokhatla, the unit has been plagued by allegations of politicisation and irregular appointments, to the point where we have requested the public protector to investigate,” Democratic Alliance MP Debbie Schafer said in a statement.
“If the president is truly serious about fighting corruption, the person he appoints must be independent and prepared to investigate without fear or favour, have the qualifications and experience required... have the leadership qualities necessary... and be a person whose integrity is beyond question.”
Justice Minister Jeff Radebe said a permanent head should be appointed by the end of February.
President Jacob Zuma appointed deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions, advocate Nomvula Mokhatla, to act as SIU head in December 2011.
Mokhatla took over from Nomgcobo Jiba, who had been acting in the position since SIU head advocate Willem Heath resigned.
Schafer said the DA was sceptical an appointment would be made by then.
“We will believe that when we see it. Minister Radebe told Parliament back in August last year that the appointment was 'imminent'. We are still waiting,” she said. - Sapa