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Parliament’s joint committee on intelligence made a U-turn yesterday on its previous decision that CVs of candidates for the important post of inspector-general of intelligence would be kept confidential.
Committee chairperson Charles Nqakula shared the decision in a letter to the Legal Resource Centre (LRC). City Press has seen the letter.
The LRC, Right2Know campaign and other civil rights organisations gave the committee an ultimatum this week over transparency regarding the appointment of the inspector-general.
Nqakula was given until Thursday midday to reconsider his decision over the CVs – and he did.
Murray Hunter, Right2Know spokesperson, labelled the U-turn as a victory for transparency and public participation.
“It is a huge step for transparency, especially because the inspector-general of intelligence is a public watchdog and the public thus has a right to know and contribute to who they want to represent them.”
The important post of inspector-general of intelligence is the only buffer that the public has against possible complaints against the government and the State Security Agency, and has been vacant for more than 18 months.
Nqakula’s decision meant that the appointment process would be done on the same basis as that of the recent new Public Protector appointment and commissioner of the Human Rights Commission.
Since 2015 there have been three unsuccessful attempts to fill the post. Whoever is appointed will fulfil various important public functions – from the rules on internet observation to keeping spies out of local politics or to monitor journalists and activists.
Included in the names on the shortlist are an MK veteran as well as a candidates who already work in the office of the inspector-general of intelligence.
The shortlist has been accepted by all political parties, and interviews have been scheduled for next week. The committee would like finalise the appointment process before Parliament goes on recess at the end of this year.
Nqakula said the CVs would be available on Parliament’s website. At the time of publication, they weren’t yet online.
New on the shortlist
» Professor Setlomamaru Dintwe – Investigating officer at the former Independent Complaints Directorate, which investigated SAPS members; and
» Nhlanhla Ngidi – Former director-general of KwaZulu-Natal.
Candidates who were on the first and second shortlist:
» Clinton Davids – MK veteran;
» Smanga Jele – Oversight officer in the office of the inspector-general of intelligence;
» Advocate Jayashree Govender – legal adviser in the office of the inspector-general of intelligence;
» Andile Barnabas Kilifele – a candidate who reportedly in his previous interview cited, among others phrases from the book The Secret Pilgrim, such as: “As long as there are rogues who become leaders, we shall spy. As long as there are bullies and liars and madmen in the world, we shall spy.”; and
» Mampogoane Petrus Nchabaleng
Candidates who were on the third shortlist:
» Nhlakanipho Nkontwana – Head of the Gauteng department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs. he was also an adviser to the former minister, Sicelo Shiceka;
» Dr Nyelisani Tshitereke – Director in the office of the vice-chancellor of the University of Venda and former senior manager in the presidency and the housing department. He was also chief director of research in the department of defence; and
» Professor Bruce Watson – ICT researcher at Stellenbosch University
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