Surty sings Simelane's praises

2008-12-09 22:51

Pretoria - Justice director-general Menzi Simelane was on Tuesday described as a hard-working, committed individual.

"I found him to be extremely hard-working, very committed, passionate about his work in carrying out instructions in a way that will add value to the ministry," said Justice Minister Enver Surty, speaking at a briefing in Pretoria.

He spoke after it became known that the Ginwala inquiry into prosecutions boss Vusi Pikoli's fitness to hold office found irregularities in Simelane's conduct.

According to the report released to the public on Monday, Simelane's conduct "left much to be desired.

"His testimony was contradictory and without basis in fact and in law," said the report.

"I regard these findings as very serious," said Surty, adding that the Public Service Commission would conduct an independent investigation.

He said the investigation would deal with "each and every adverse finding" in the commission.

He said the investigation would help the department to make a recommendation to Cabinet.

On whether the director-general would be asked to take leave, Surty said his department "had a lot of work to do" but that if he was found to have impeded the administration of justice he would "absolutely" ask him to take leave.

On when this investigation would be completed, the minister said he hoped that this would be completed at the end of January or February next year adding that he "could not anticipate how long this would take".

President Kgalema Motlanthe on Monday referred the matter to the department after announcing that Pikoli be relieved of his duties.

Surty said he had already spoken to the chairperson of the commission who said he would attend to the matter urgently.

Surty however added that if Simelane, who was not at the briefing, was found to have committed a violation in the execution of his duties, appropriate measures would be taken.

Surty also briefed the media on three bills approved by Cabinet. One of the bills, the State Liability Bill, seeks to replace the State Liability Act of 1957.

The bill makes provision for measures to enable the state to deal efficiently and effectively with all legal proceedings in which the state is involved.

- SAPA