uMkhonto weSizwe Party criticises Paul O’Sullivan's disrespect towards South Africa
Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee members voice strong concerns over Paul O’Sullivan's perceived disrespect towards South Africa, highlighting the implications for accountability and governance.
Image: Parliament RSA /Supplied
THE uMkhonto weSizwe Party’s (MKP) Sibonelo Nomvalo has criticised forensic consultant Paul O’Sullivan, asserting that he shows a blatant lack of respect for South Africa and its Parliament.
Nomvalo's remarks were made during discussions on the sidelines of Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, which is investigating allegations against KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
“irrelevant and out of context. I think it was off context because we must remember we're not a portfolio committee on justice. We're not a constitutional review committee that accepts public submissions, which seek to influence policy reforms or legislative reforms,” says Nomvalo.
The presentations from Accountability Now and the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum (APCOF) were intended to provide recommendations regarding the criminal justice system.
However, Nomvalo felt that their contributions did not align with the committee's objectives.
“What has happened is that the first presentation we got was an attempt to lobby us to a particular policy perspective. That's peripheral with regards to our terms of reference,” he added.
“I thought the presentation might at least say, within these terms of reference, we think that some of the wrongdoings or allegations of wrongdoings rather have been perpetuated by these policy deficiencies, and consequently, this is what we recommend as a solution there too. So that was my expectation. It was not helpful at all. We shouldn't lie. It was not. That's what I can say,” says Nomvalo.
The issue of O’Sullivan's delayed appearance before the committee resurfaced during the discussions. ANC member Khusela Sangoni-Diko reiterated the committee's stance.
“I think you'll remember it was the African National Congress who had raised this matter, in the committee, to say that we will not tolerate a situation where a witness wants to dictate to us how, when, and where he wants to appear.” states Sangoni-Diko
Sangoni-Diko continued to add that their terms of reference have been very clear that the committee will have in-person hearings and only in extraordinary circumstances would they consider (going) virtual.
She added that the committee would work towards subpoenaing O’Sullivan if he fails to appear in person.
“He’s really undermining the committee, and if you look at some of the correspondence that he has sent through, you get a sense that you're dealing with a very recalcitrant person.”
Nomvalo echoed these sentiments, expressing concern over O’Sullivan's behaviour.
“The virtual hearing thing… It's a defiance of high note. Paul O’Sullivan does not respect anyone in South Africa. He does not respect Parliament, he does not respect the executive, even his friends; he doesn't respect them. His conduct in its entirety is worrisome,” he stated.
“It's the conduct of an individual who has a self-exaggerated importance and dominance in South Africa, and I think that has been triggered by the leeway that he has been getting from all these networks under which he was benefiting,” he further explained
As the committee continues its investigation, the implications of O’Sullivan's conduct and the broader issues of respect and accountability in South African politics remain at the forefront of discussions.