Advocate Ntutuzelo Vanara appointed acting head of Idac in South Africa
In South Africa, advocate Ntutuzelo Vanara has been appointed acting head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac). He assumed the position following the resignation of advocate Andrea Johnson.
As Daily Maverick writes, the leadership change took place amid increased public attention to corruption, criminal networks, governance issues and institutional weakness. These issues were raised, among others, by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and a parliamentary ad hoc committee examining allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Idac’s powers
Under the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act, Idac is empowered to investigate and prosecute serious, high-profile and complex corruption, commercial and financial crimes and, where necessary, to initiate criminal proceedings.
The columnist notes that concerns have formed around the institution because of the perception that officials conducting investigations may themselves become their subjects. In his view, the renewal of Idac should include responding to potential conflicts of interest, improper conduct and internal practices capable of harming the body’s integrity and effectiveness.
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Experience of the new head
Vanara has more than 25 years of experience working in parliament, state institutions and regulated sectors. He previously served as a legal adviser in parliament and currently holds the position of chief legal adviser at the Special Investigating Unit.
Vanara also served as head of evidence during major parliamentary inquiries, including those concerning the SABC board and Eskom’s activities in the state capture and maladministration case. The author believes Idac needs to strengthen its capacity to investigate complex cases and its interaction with the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority and other criminal justice institutions.
The column also states that the parliamentary committee on justice and constitutional development will oversee Idac’s capacity to conduct complex investigations, cooperation with other bodies and work results. The author expects the process of appointing a permanent head of the directorate to be conducted transparently and based on the merits of candidates.
