President Jacob Zuma should clarify what action he intends on taking against Agriculture Minister, Tina Joemat-Pettersson, following the Public Protector’s findings late last year on the awarding of the R 800 million fisheries patrol tender.
In her report “Docked Vessels”, released on 5 December 2013, the Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela identified maladministration and also found Minister Joeamat-Pettersson‘s conduct in the awarding of the tender to be improper and unethical.
In her report, Adv Madonsela recommends that President Jacob Zuma take remedial action against Minister Joemat-Pettersson for her “reckless dealing” with state money. To date, the President has been silent on the report and its recommendations.
This is the second time Minister Joemat-Pettersson had been implicated of an offence by the Public Protector. The last time she escaped with a mere slap on the wrist.
This time she cannot be allowed to escape the consequences of her actions.
