Justice and Constitutional Development BRRR

Meeting report

Committee Programme

Mr S Swart (ACDP) proposed that the Committee consider adding the recent resignation of Ms Hermione Cronje as the Head of the Investigating Directorate (ID), as part of its agenda for the meeting next week.

Mr W Horn (DA) agreed with the proposal, adding that the Committee should also consider scheduling a briefing from both the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) and the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), regarding the reasons for Ms Cronje’s resignation and what will be done to ensure that there is continued stability in the ID. 

Mr R Dyantyi (ANC) suggested that the Committee convene an urgent meeting with both the MOJ and the Head of the NDPP sometime next week.

The Chairperson agreed with the proposal and indicated that two issues will be discussed. First, the reasons for Ms Cronje’s sudden resignation. Two, the reasons why the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) missed its own deadline this week to take a decision on whether to prosecute the suspects in the murders of the Cradock Four. This follows a previous meeting with the NPA, where the Committee indicated that the longer it takes to prosecute cases related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the less likely the prosecutions will be successful.

He asked if the Committee was in agreement with his proposal.

Mr Dyantyi agreed with the proposal.

The Chairperson asked which day the meeting should be held.

Mr Horn mentioned that Friday would not be feasible, as there were other matters to attend to.

Mr Swart agreed.

Mr Dyantyi suggested that the meeting be held either on Tuesday or Wednesday.

The Chairperson asked if the Committee would still be briefed by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities on Tuesday.

Mr Dyantyi mentioned that he would confirm that after the meeting.

The Chairperson said that the Committee would arrange for an urgent meeting to take place sometime next week.

Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services

The Chairperson took the Committee through the BRRR of the Committee.

He requested a mover for the adoption of the BRRR, with the amendments.

Ms W Newhoudt-Druchen (ANC) moved for the adoption of the BRRR, with the amendments.

Mr Dyantyi seconded the adoption of the BRRR, with the amendments.

Mr Horn indicated that the Democratic Alliance reserves its position regarding the BRRR.

The report was agreed to and adopted with the reservations of the Democratic Alliance.

Committee minutes dated 1 December 2021

The Chairperson requested a mover for the adoption of the minutes on 1 December 2021.

Mr Dyantyi moved for the adoption of the minutes.

Mr X Nqola (ANC) seconded the adoption of the minutes.

The Committee arranged to host a farewell gathering for Committee Member Mr James Selfe (DA), who announced his retirement from Parliament three weeks ago. The gathering is planned to take place in the following week.

The Chairperson indicated that he would engage with the Office of the Minister and the Office of the NDPP regarding the urgent meeting.

Mr Swart asked when the meeting with the Minister of Finance and MOJ regarding the Information Regulator will occur.

The Chairperson indicated that the meeting will occur in the following year.

The meeting was adjourned.