Chairperson Pansy Tlakula statement on media reports

19 Mar 2014

I note the report of the forensic investigation into the Head Office of the Electoral Commission. I do not wish at this stage to respond in full to the report until after the Minister of Finance, who is the custodian of the report, has addressed the issues relating to the investigation that I have raised with him.

Contrary to media reports, the report does not make a finding of corruption or accrual of financial gain against me or any official of the Commission. Its findings relate to non-compliance with procurement prescripts, a matter which we acknowledged and disclosed on our own in the financial statements of the Commission for the year 2010/2011 before any of the subsequent investigations into that procurement process.

The Riverside Office Park was the first lease that we acquired through an open bidding process. Where we made mistakes during this process, we disclosed and owned up to them. We have learned from those mistakes. We have already tightened our procurement processes to ensure full compliance with the applicable regulatory stipulations. 

Indeed the report finds that some errors were made during the evaluation process. Whilst I was not part of the meeting where the evaluation was undertaken, these errors were in my view bona fide. I am satisfied that these errors were committed without any intention to manipulate the process in any manner or to secure an improper benefit for anyone involved.

We have requested the Minister of Finance to afford us the opportunity to make representations on the PwC report. I have no doubt that that process will offer us an opportunity to clear some of the misconception in the report.

As you know, I have instituted a review application in the High Court in terms of which I seek to review and set aside aspects of the report of the Public Protector. That application is still pending. I put my faith in the legal system and I believe that my name will be cleared at the end of this drawn out process.

I reiterate that I have not been involved or found guilty of any criminal or corrupt activity. Thus, any reporting to that effect is without foundation and presumably calculated to impugn my integrity.

We all have been put under a magnifying glass. As public servants, we owe it to our nation to account for all public spending. I am proud that the staff of the Commission has passed this scrutiny. 

Unfortunately the report was released at the time when preparations for the 2014 elections have reached a critical stage. I am focusing all my energy on the delivery of a smooth election. We are committed to running free, fair and credible elections. That is what we do best and all hands are on deck for the mammoth task ahead of us.

Statement issued by Tshavhu Thenga, Independent Electoral Commission, March 19 2014

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