IDAC acting head promised ‘within days’ — three weeks on, nothing

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has criticized Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi for failing to appoint an acting head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) as promised. DA spokesperson Glynnis Breytenbach stated that Kubayi had committed to filling the position "within days" on July 30, but three weeks later, no action had been taken.

This oversight comes after former IDAC head Andrea Johnson resigned amid intense scrutiny of the directorate and her leadership during the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Kubayi's resignation was accepted by President Cyril Ramaphosa following a recommendation from Johnson and National Director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi.

Kubayi initially stated that an external candidate was being considered for the role, with an acting head expected to be named the following week. However, Breytenbach argued that the urgent need for an acting leader is particularly critical as IDAC grapples with allegations and testimony from the Madlanga Commission. She emphasized that while the department is currently without a capable leader, criminals are taking advantage of the situation to loot municipal budgets, leaving residents as the ultimate victims.

Breytenbach urged Kubayi to honor her earlier commitment and fill the vacancy immediately, stating that the DA is committed to combating corruption and improving municipal governance. The party noted that the proposed Anti-Corruption Commission Bill, which would give IDAC the authority to investigate and prosecute corruption independently of political influence, should be considered by Parliament to ensure a more effective fight against corruption.