A Rose in the South African Garden of Corruption
There is now and has been since October 15, 2009, an intrusive rose in the corruptive political garden of South Africa.
The rose in this instance, is known as the Thuli Madonsela and far from being overgrown by the ravaging weeds, has not only survived, but in so doing, impressed a global audience.
Advocate Thulisile Nomkhosi Madonsela (Thuli) is the Public Protector of South Africa, appointed by the President following a unanimous vote by all the parties represented in Parliament.
This lady despite her dignified appearance and gentle voice has shown herself to be no push-over; as discovered by President Zuma and his minions, among others.
A contributor to the drafting of the South African post-apartheid Constitution, Thuli Madonsela, committed herself to the "New South Africa," in the process, forfeiting a Harvard scholarship.
She is also co-architect of Justice Vision 2000, a National Action Plan that focuses on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, Promotion of Equality, the Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, Employment Equity Act and the Local Government Transition Act.
This talented professional has in addition, contributed to various other law enactments, and designed to transform the South African legal system.
They include the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act and the Repeal of the Black Administration Act.
It is in many instances, understandable that as this dynamic and well educated servant of South Africa, progressed, in her position of power, many politicians enjoying the fruits of their various nefarious self-serving and corruptive interests would begin feeling some unease.
The mainly disillusioned voters of South Africa, who had been promised so much by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, but which had turned out to be the usual political promises, took their Public Protector into their hearts.
Thuli and her stalwart team became associated with bringing wrongdoers to book, particularly those in the reigning political hierarchy.
As her fame and recognition grew, so did the antagonism and self preservation instincts of the anti-Thuli, ANC elements.
Their basically, inadequate, ineffective leaders found themselves humbled, when their now revealed nemesis was cited by Time magazine, as being amongst the 100 most influential people in the world! She was revered for her "extraordinary courage and patriotism" but, in her own country, subjected to jealous and fearful attacks by rivals, on her integrity, scorned and insulted by many in the ruling African National Congress.
Arguably, it could be said that the proverbial straw that broke the ANC political back, as far as the Public Protector was concerned, revolved around the now infamous, Nkandla investigation report.
Without fear or favor, she challenged the Ringmaster of the ANC political circus, by undertaking a probe into the upgrading of President Jacob Zuma's residence, to the tune of over R250 million ($25,000).
This has now become an ongoing issue; with the population generally supporting the Public Protector, in the quest to recover expenditure for personal gain, from President Zuma.
The first representative of South Africa, Mr.
Zuma, has contrived to avoid confronting the issues and despite derision from some parliamentarians and the public, blissfully continues with his devoted minions, on his merry, money-making way.
On April 29, Advocate Thuli Madonsela appeared before Parliament's Portfolio Committee for Justice and Correctional Services.
It was designed to outline the Public Protector's office's budgetary requirements for 2016, to the specified sum of R200 million ($20,000), significantly less than the cost of upgrading the home of President Zuma! The priorities of the ANC majority were clearly displayed, when several members of the African National Congress (ANC) berated the Public Protector for not addressing their concerns, regarding procurement processes and the fact that her office was technically insolvent last year.
The meeting was adjourned before Thuli Madonsela could answer the posed questions.
An ironic comment was made by the Chairperson of Committee for Justice & Correctional Services, Dr Mathole Motshekga, in relation to the Public Protector, "that Parliament has to support her.
But, in supporting her we have to ensure that she understands her mandate and her powers and that the money given to her is well managed.
And that she accounts for it properly.
" This sardonic comment helped move the chief opposition, Democratic Alliance, into giving notice to move a motion of no confidence in Dr Motshekga.
They are accusing Dr Motshekga of showing the Public Protectorate unnecessary levels of contempt.
Thuli Madonsela has traversed a road of political intrigue and corruption, where most of the supposed and mainly self-promoted protectors of South African democracy, have feared to tread.
This lady has pronounced and denounced the conduct on some of the most politically powerful people in the country.
Despite intense pressure from the powerful and the ignorant, she has been resolute in displaying and protecting the integrity of herself, and her office.
The rose in this instance, is known as the Thuli Madonsela and far from being overgrown by the ravaging weeds, has not only survived, but in so doing, impressed a global audience.
Advocate Thulisile Nomkhosi Madonsela (Thuli) is the Public Protector of South Africa, appointed by the President following a unanimous vote by all the parties represented in Parliament.
This lady despite her dignified appearance and gentle voice has shown herself to be no push-over; as discovered by President Zuma and his minions, among others.
A contributor to the drafting of the South African post-apartheid Constitution, Thuli Madonsela, committed herself to the "New South Africa," in the process, forfeiting a Harvard scholarship.
She is also co-architect of Justice Vision 2000, a National Action Plan that focuses on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, Promotion of Equality, the Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, Employment Equity Act and the Local Government Transition Act.
This talented professional has in addition, contributed to various other law enactments, and designed to transform the South African legal system.
They include the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act and the Repeal of the Black Administration Act.
It is in many instances, understandable that as this dynamic and well educated servant of South Africa, progressed, in her position of power, many politicians enjoying the fruits of their various nefarious self-serving and corruptive interests would begin feeling some unease.
The mainly disillusioned voters of South Africa, who had been promised so much by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, but which had turned out to be the usual political promises, took their Public Protector into their hearts.
Thuli and her stalwart team became associated with bringing wrongdoers to book, particularly those in the reigning political hierarchy.
As her fame and recognition grew, so did the antagonism and self preservation instincts of the anti-Thuli, ANC elements.
Their basically, inadequate, ineffective leaders found themselves humbled, when their now revealed nemesis was cited by Time magazine, as being amongst the 100 most influential people in the world! She was revered for her "extraordinary courage and patriotism" but, in her own country, subjected to jealous and fearful attacks by rivals, on her integrity, scorned and insulted by many in the ruling African National Congress.
Arguably, it could be said that the proverbial straw that broke the ANC political back, as far as the Public Protector was concerned, revolved around the now infamous, Nkandla investigation report.
Without fear or favor, she challenged the Ringmaster of the ANC political circus, by undertaking a probe into the upgrading of President Jacob Zuma's residence, to the tune of over R250 million ($25,000).
This has now become an ongoing issue; with the population generally supporting the Public Protector, in the quest to recover expenditure for personal gain, from President Zuma.
The first representative of South Africa, Mr.
Zuma, has contrived to avoid confronting the issues and despite derision from some parliamentarians and the public, blissfully continues with his devoted minions, on his merry, money-making way.
On April 29, Advocate Thuli Madonsela appeared before Parliament's Portfolio Committee for Justice and Correctional Services.
It was designed to outline the Public Protector's office's budgetary requirements for 2016, to the specified sum of R200 million ($20,000), significantly less than the cost of upgrading the home of President Zuma! The priorities of the ANC majority were clearly displayed, when several members of the African National Congress (ANC) berated the Public Protector for not addressing their concerns, regarding procurement processes and the fact that her office was technically insolvent last year.
The meeting was adjourned before Thuli Madonsela could answer the posed questions.
An ironic comment was made by the Chairperson of Committee for Justice & Correctional Services, Dr Mathole Motshekga, in relation to the Public Protector, "that Parliament has to support her.
But, in supporting her we have to ensure that she understands her mandate and her powers and that the money given to her is well managed.
And that she accounts for it properly.
" This sardonic comment helped move the chief opposition, Democratic Alliance, into giving notice to move a motion of no confidence in Dr Motshekga.
They are accusing Dr Motshekga of showing the Public Protectorate unnecessary levels of contempt.
Thuli Madonsela has traversed a road of political intrigue and corruption, where most of the supposed and mainly self-promoted protectors of South African democracy, have feared to tread.
This lady has pronounced and denounced the conduct on some of the most politically powerful people in the country.
Despite intense pressure from the powerful and the ignorant, she has been resolute in displaying and protecting the integrity of herself, and her office.
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