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It’s too important an institution to be at the mercy of individuals who might have vested interests, writes Sandile Gumede.
Hell no! That was my reaction when I read about the undesirable proposal by the Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Ronald Lamola to source private funding for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Lamola proposed that donor funding could provide some financial relief for the NPA.
As much as this may be true, such a move would mean that this law enforcement body would be indebted to private donors – who are likely to be subjects of investigations at some point.
These donors would capture this important institution – which needs to be revitalised anyway.
The reality is that the NPA has been used as a political tool by the former presidents. Yes, you read it right – former presidents.
It is absolutely bulldust that it was only the giggling prince of Nkandla who abused his power.
Just to remind those who have selective amnesia. Do you still remember Bulelani Ngcuka? What happened to him?
Ngcuka, who was the NPA head, initiated investigations on Zuma in connection with the arms deal bribery.
He later resigned from the hot seat and was replaced by Vusi Pikoli.
Fast-forward to 2005, then president Thabo Mbeki fired his deputy Jacob Zuma – and, boom, Ngcuka’s wife Phumzile became the deputy president of the country. What a coincidence!
Ngcuka’s successor continued with the investigations – which included a probe on then police commissioner Jackie Selebi who was ultimately convicted of being complicit in drug trafficking on Glenn Agliotti’s evidence.
Before the matter was taken to court Mbeki had suspended Pikoli.
A commission of inquiry to establish Pikoli’s fitness to hold office was led by Frene Ginwala.
During Selebi’s trial, it was revealed that Mbeki also benefited from Selebi and Agliotti’s corrupt relationship – he received size 7 shoes.
The less said about Zuma and Mokotedi Mpshe, who acted in the position after Pikoli’s removal, the better.
And Shaun Abrahams, who knew on which side his bread was buttered, only reinstated Zuma’s charges after the “regime” change.
In essence, Abrahams swore allegiance to the administration of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Having said this, the above shows that we really need a national director of public prosecutions who can discharge her duties without fear, favour or prejudice.
So, Lamola and the new NPA boss Shamila Batohi need to devise other viable strategies to source funding from the fiscus for the institution.
We have already heard claims that there are powerful people – who are not in government – who manipulate the rand.
A case in point would be when Zuma fired Nhlanhla Nene in 2015, and a certain powerful individual held a secret meeting where he allegedly threatened to collapse the economy if his preferred replacement for Nene was not appointed.
This resulted in Des van Rooyen being removed within four days of being appointed finance minister.
Such undesirable things can happen if the NPA accepts donations from private citizens and not from government.
The reality is that there is money in South Africa, poor governance is a major hindrance.
Government should prioritise carefully. It needs to recoup money from individuals who are evading tax and are liable for fines.
Once these funds are recouped, they can be used to sustain this important institution.
Gumede is a postgraduate student at Unisa and a journalism lecturer at a private college
