Speaker, in April 2012 the Public Protector released a report entitled Unconscionable Delay. The report was about the allegations of abuse of power and maladministration in the Department of Home Affairs. The application referred to in the report remains pending.
Instead of dealing with the recommendations by the Public Protector, the department chose to use legal action against the applicant. The Public Protector found that the Department of Home Affairs' failure to resolve this matter amounts to maladministration and a contravention of the Constitution.
The then Minister, Minister Dlamini-Zuma, failed to respond to the Public Protector. The Public Protector had instructed remedial actions to be taken on this matter by 24 May 2012. This was not done. In November 2012 the new Minister, Minister Pandor, again rejected this application.
This means more delays and hefty legal costs to the department. This is unacceptable and we call on the Minister to explain to this House why the Public Protector's recommendations have not yet been implemented. Thank you, Speaker.