Good riddance but Gigaba should apologise
I AM sure the majority of citizens are gratified by the news that Malusi Gigaba has resigned from his post as home affairs minister, but the following should not be ignored:
First, according to media reports, there was no apology for his breach of the Constitution and the executive ethics code. To the contrary and despite court rulings, including one by the Constitutional Court, as well as the findings of the public protector and her order relating to remedial action (not yet taken on review), the offender contends he has done no wrong and intends to clear his name.
Second, in my opinion, the point not dealt with by any commentators, media or otherwise, omit the fact that the president has failed to comply with the remedial action ordered by the public protector. I refer to the fact that the president has not disciplined Gigaba within the required time, or at all.
The fact that Gigaba has resigned does not absolve the president from his obligation to apply the necessary discipline nor can the self-inflicted “discipline” of resignation be regarded as obedience or part of the remedial action by the offender.
Also, the ridiculous attempts to affirm he has done no wrong and that his resignation was a measure of goodwill to South Africa and to relieve the president of stress is not a mitigating factor relating to Gigaba’s offences.
Finally, as an example of disciplines that could still be levelled against Gigaba in accordance with the remedial actions not yet addressed, the president should insist on Gigaba’s public apology to South Africa.
ETIENNE FOURIE
Simon’s Town, Western Cape