Security cluster seeks clarity on Madonsela's report

Justice Minister Jeff Radebe wants "clarity" on certain aspects of Thuli Madonsela's Nkandla report. Image: GCIS

The final report was released on 19 March.

"The security cluster ministers have studied the report and based on this, there are several areas on which we require further information and clarification. A letter has been sent to the Public Protector in this regard and we will now wait for her reply," said a statement issued by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Tuesday(8 April).

"We have sought clarity on some areas, which we believe are confusing and became evident in our detailed reading of the report. The next step is for the Office of the Public Protector to respond, after which we will be able to make a more informed decision on the way forward," said the statement.

The cluster, which is chaired by Justice Minister Jeff Radebe, believed it would be disrespectful to the Office of the Public Protector to go into precise detail of the communication with her office at this time.

It said the Office of the Public Protector had an enormous responsibility to ensure its findings were factually accurate and consistent with the law.

"We, as part of government, have a responsibility to study this report and if necessary, seek clarity on aspects of the report that require clarification in the spirit of inter-governmental relations and co-operation.

"We reiterate our support for the institution of the Office of the Public Protector, considering it and other Chapter 9 institutions as vital to the health of a democratic society.

"However, this does not mean that government has no right to seek clarity on areas of the report, which would seem to be confusing. Such interactions are universal with regard to similar types of ombudsman reports in any democracy," said the statement.