Zuma praises IEC commissioners

2011-10-16 07:46

Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma praised the Independent Electoral's outgoing commissioners on Saturday, saying they served the country with distinction.

Speaking at a gala dinner in Sandton, Zuma said their work had resulted in South Africa's electoral processes being admired the world over.

He said outgoing Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) chairwoman Brigalia Bam, and commissioners Thoko Mpumlwana and Fanie van der Merwe had been involved in six successful elections.

"We are truly proud of what the IEC has done in the past 14 years."

Zuma said the IEC had made it clear to all South Africans that the government was chosen through the ballot.

"This is a notable achievement of our country and our democracy."

He said the fact that the IEC was being asked to work in other countries was an indication of the high regard in which it is held.

"You sterling work has not gone unnoticed. We thank you all for a job well done," said Zuma.

The outgoing commissioners were appointed by Nelson Mandela during his term of office. The fourth commissioner Terry Tselane has served for the past seven years and is likely to serve another term if the recommendations of parliament's ad hoc committee on nominations for IEC commissioners are followed.

The committee has also recommended that the current chief electoral officer Pansy Tlakula along with Bongani Finca and Raenette Taljaard replace the outgoing commissioners.

IEC commissioners serve terms of seven years that may be renewed for a further seven years.

- SAPA