PRETORIA — The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has formally objected to the appointment of retired Judge Takalani Joseph Raulinga as the IDC Ombud, citing severe concerns over his impartiality and the overall credibility of the oversight role. In a letter addressed to Justice Minister Mamoloko Kubayi and Portfolio Committee Chair Xola Nqola, the party outlined its reservations regarding the controversial appointment, arguing that the selection process lacks the necessary transparency and independence.
Mzwanele Manyi, the MK Party whip in the Peace and Security Cluster and a member of the justice and constitutional development committee, spearheaded the objection. Clarifying his parliamentary title during the discussion, Manyi emphasized that the party takes governance and procedural integrity seriously, noting that the appointment raises immediate red flags.
At the core of the MK Party’s objection is a historical concern regarding Judge Raulinga’s perceived political affiliations. Manyi pointed to a 2015 incident during Raulinga’s interview for a Judge President position before the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). During that process, Raulinga reportedly included in his curriculum vitae that he was a “big friend” of then-Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa. This prompted a stern rebuke from former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, who questioned why Raulinga was highlighting political connections to the “high and mighty,” warning that such associations could compromise the judiciary. Raulinga reportedly apologized for the inclusion at the time.
However, Manyi argued that this issue has not been resolved. He noted that in a recent television interview, Judge Raulinga reiterated that he remains friends with President Cyril Ramaphosa, reigniting concerns about his ability to act impartially in an oversight capacity.
Beyond perceived bias, Manyi highlighted a significant timeline discrepancy surrounding the appointment. While Justice Minister Mamoloko Kubayi publicly announced the appointment on July 10, creating the impression of a recent decision, parliamentary records tell a different story. Manyi cited a November 7 portfolio committee meeting where Advocate Johnson revealed that President Ramaphosa had already appointed Judge Raulinga to the role the previous October.
This nine-month gap, Manyi argued, is deeply problematic. He questioned what Judge Raulinga was doing during this period while alleged “shenanigans” unfolded within the IDC under his watch. Manyi specifically pointed to the controversial arrest of a suspect referred to as Masimula, as well as the arrest of the national police commissioner over what the MK Party described as flimsy Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) violations. Manyi questioned why these specific individuals were targeted while approximately 34 other directors-general with similar PFMA issues were allegedly ignored, suggesting a pattern of selective enforcement.
In response to mounting criticisms, Judge Raulinga has defended his position by reaffirming his commitment to impartiality. He pointed to his lengthy career on the bench as proof of his dedication to the rule of law. Furthermore, Raulinga asserted that the ombud institution is structurally shielded from external interference. He emphasized that the office will remain entirely independent of both the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and IDAC leadership, and will instead account directly to Parliament and the portfolio committee on justice.
Manyi dismissed these assurances, arguing that structural promises cannot override a demonstrated track record of inaction. He contended that the events of the past nine months prove the appointment has been ineffective, suggesting that the delay and lack of intervention point to political maneuvering rather than independent, credible oversight.
The MK Party maintains that public confidence in the IDAC oversight mechanism is entirely dependent on the perceived and actual impartiality of its leadership, a standard they believe Judge Raulinga has already failed to meet.
