Addressing delegates at a recent consultative workshop the permanent secretary for justice, Virginia Mabhiza, said her ministry needed help to create an enabling environment for the NPA as a way of combating corruption. “We need skills and knowledge especially in areas of legislative drafting,” she said. “We have recruited staff to service the HRC and we have procured a building to house it. Bu that building requires a lot of refurbishment.”
Regarding the NPA Mabhiza said there was no specific budget for this despite its important role in combating crime. “We need assistance in fully operationalising this very important department especially in dealing with corruption,” she added.
The NPA was established under section 258 of the Constitution, and has the mandate to institute and undertake criminal prosecution on behalf of the state.
Mabhiza called for increased collaboration between government and civil society organisations to bolster the good institutions that have been created by the new constitution. “Enhanced professionalism in the justice delivery system boosts confidence among users. We are looking at accountability and transparency in the justice delivery system,” she said.
Post published in: News