Committee backs Vanara as Acting IDAC Head, demands image rebuild

The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development has approved the appointment of Advocate Ntuthuzelo Vanara as the Acting Head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). The committee's Chairperson, Xola Nqola, emphasized the importance of rebuilding IDAC's image and restoring trust in the public eye.

Nqola stated that a crucial part of Vanara's role would be to rebrand the institution's image in order to regain public confidence. This comes in the wake of the resignation of Advocate Andrea Johnson, who stepped down from her position after providing testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Nqola highlighted the public perception that IDAC had been compromised and infiltrated by criminal syndicates, and that Vanara's appointment would address this concern.

Steve Swart, an ACDP MP, praised Vanara's ability to withstand political pressure, citing his extensive experience at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the asset forfeiture unit. Dr. Mmusi Maimane, a leader of Build One South Africa (BOSA), welcomed the appointment but called for the position to be filled permanently to stabilize IDAC and address its current predicaments.