PUBLIC PROTECTOR VINDICATES MINISTER SISULU ON PAUL NGOBENI'S APPOINTMENT

Following a complaint to the Public Protector by the DA's MP, David Maynier in which he alleged that Mr Paul Ngobeni's appointment as Special Advisor to Minister of Defence was irregular and he was not vetted. The Public Protector released her report yesterday.

The Public Protector found that the Minister compiled with relevant legislation, regulations and procedure for processing the Special Advisor's appointment.  That Mr Ngobeni was vetted in accordance with the applicable provisions of law. The final report also states that the Minister did not contravene any legislative prescripts in Mr Ngobeni's appointment and she is according not responsible for any maladministration.

The Minister welcomes the findings of the Public Protector and call on Mr David Maynier to apologise to the Mr Ngobeni,  Minister and the Ministry for his defamation remarks and all the allegations he made in the media about the appointment and process of his appointment.

"It is indeed sad that in his effort to gain front page of newspapers and to appear on television, Mr Maynier will make all allegations wasting state resources and the energy of offices like the Public Protector, it must be noted that Mr Maynier complained to the Public Protector despite being informed that Mr Ngobeni appointment within the law" Minister said.

The Minister notes all other comments in the Public Protector's report including that Mr Ngobeni is not prohibited from practising law in South Africa.

Statement issued by Ndivhuwo Mabaya, Minister of Defence Head of Media Services, April 25 2012

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