Parliament - The position of inspector-general of intelligence was re-advertised on Wednesday after the African National Congress (ANC) failed to secure support for the nomination of Cecil Burgess, but the opposition said the week-long deadline for applications seemed too short to find a suitable candidate.
“Considering the high calibre of candidate this position requires, we are concerned that the stipulated closing date for applicants, Wednesday, 13 April 2016, is too narrow a window and will cap the quantity and in turn quality of candidate applications received,” Democratic Alliance chief whip John Steenhuisen said.
He added that it was imperative that the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence should interview applicants in open committee.
The office of the ANC chief whip last month withdrew a report to the National Assembly recommending the hawkish Burgess for the watchdog post, which has been vacant for a year. The appointment needed to be confirmed by a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, which was highly unlikely because opposition parties have refused to back Burgess.
Steenhuisen accused the ANC of political meddling to impose a partisan candidate in the person of Burgess, who is also bitterly opposed by rights groups.
“Their insistence on such a compromised candidate led to an unfortunate year-long vacancy and three failed attempts in the National Assembly to have him fill it,” he said.
“It is high time Parliament finalises the IGI appointment, and the DA is prepared to work with all parties to ensure that it is done in transparent manner that leads to the appointment of an impartial candidate who will prioritise the principles of the Constitution and keep our intelligence services accountable.”
ANA