Thank you, Madam Deputy Chair. Today, we are debating two very important Bills: the Independent Police Investigative Directorate Bill, Ipid, and the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service Bill.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate aims to ensure independent oversight of the SAPS and municipal police services. Furthermore, it must provide for the independent and impartial investigation of identified criminal offences allegedly committed by members of the SAPS and municipal police services. The directorate functions independently from the SAPS, but reports to the Minister of Police.
The civilian secretariat, however, must monitor the performance of the police and its policies. The secretariat will also be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the budget. According to both these Bills, the Minister must appoint the executive directors. The success of the Bills will depend on how independently the organisations will operate.
During a public hearing in Qwaqwa last week, members of the public complained bitterly about the behaviour of members of the SAPS. They alleged that after they had laid their complaints, their allegations were investigated by local friends of the police.
I do not say that it was the truth, but we need to protect the independence of the investigators at all costs, so that they can do their job without fear or favour. The manner in which the results of investigations will be handled will determine the legitimacy of the organisations.
Chapter 6 of the Bill makes provision for the appointment of fit and proper persons as investigators, according to certain laid-down guidelines. We trust that those appointments will be done in an open and transparent manner. Under no circumstances should political affiliation play a role in the appointments.
We, as citizens, want personnel with a strong set of values. They should be characterised by trustworthiness, show respect by honouring others, be responsible by being accountable, and be fair by being impartial regarding the needs of those they must serve and protect.
We want an environment where we have an open society with equal opportunities for all. We want to see to it that only the best men and women are entrusted with positions where they can ensure that only people with the highest quality of leadership are appointed to manage these two independent organisations that must give effect to our Constitution.
The question of sufficient funding will also be a fundamental imperative in determining the success of the operations. If there are only sufficient funds to appoint the top structures and not enough investigators to perform their duties, then we should reconsider our endeavours to serve the people of our country.
I conclude by asking: In South Africa, who is guarding the guardians? I thank you, hon Deputy Chair. [Applause.]