Sunday Times article about crisis at Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) inaccurate

3 Apr 2011

The Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) has noted the inaccurate Sunday Times article, "Minister's daughter not qualified for job", 3 April 2011 (see here). What the story doesn't say is that the Executive Director, Mr Francois Beukman, gave more comprehensive responses than that and those responses are not included in the article.

The public service is a highly regulated institution with policies and prescripts, we are confident that the prescripts were followed to the letter in all appointments made. If there is any dissatisfaction about these appointments, there must be proper investigations.

The ICD is aware that one anonymous complaint against the Executive Director was lodged with the Public Service Commission - other grievances are being dealt with in line with the relevant procedures. It would be unethical to respond in public to the specific allegations since there are processes underway to deal with them.

As to the acting appointments, there are no policy guidelines that specify who should be appointed - it is left entirely to the discretion of the individual making such acting appointment, in this case the Executive Director.

Those who have grievances against anybody, including those of "victimisation and abuse of power", are free to raise them in line with the prescribed procedures and prescripts.

The Executive Director would like to state clearly that the ICD is not in crisis and that all managerial and operational processes are running effectively.

The ICD is fully committed to the implementation of the new Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Bill, all individuals who are affected by the changes caused by the new legislation should engage their labour unions to ensure that they are not prejudiced.

Statement issued by Moses Dlamini, ICD National Spokesman, April 3 2011

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