Ad Hoc Committee demands full accountability from President Ramaphosa

Members of the ad hoc committee investigating allegations of corruption in the criminal justice system are insisting that President Cyril Ramaphosa must not receive special treatment from Parliament and must face full accountability.

They want Ramaphosa to face MPs in person and to submit his written reply to questions from members promptly.

The committee also wants to hear testimony from the suspended Inspector General of Intelligence, Imtiaz Fazel, who still requires permission from the President to give evidence.

The ad hoc committee met on Monday to discuss its outstanding witnesses, who include Fazel.

Committee members are not in total agreement regarding whether Fazel should appear in an open hearing or in camera, given that he handles a significant amount of classified information.

"You cannot classify corruption as top secret. We are investigating the corrupt manner in which our institutions have been collapsed," said Committee member Julius Malema.

MK Party MP Sibonelo Nomvalo said he was not satisfied with how Ramaphosa’s submission would be handled and noted his objection to the submission date of March 16.

"No special treatment on the basis that he’s the President. We are not accepting this excuse of the 16th because everyone here is complaining about time."

The committee has also adjusted its schedule, with KZN Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi now expected to give evidence next week instead of Friday.