The Democratic Alliance (DA) have endorsed a report released earlier this week by the Public Protector, which found that former African National Congress (ANC) MP Lindiwe Sisulu acted improperly in her appointments of officials to the National Rapid Response Task Team (NRRTT) and that her conduct amounted to maladministration. 

The improper conduct stated refers to the period in which she served as the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation between May 2019 and August 2021.

Sisulu was found to be in contravention of Section 6(4)(a)(i) of the Public Protector Act and Section 182(1)(a) of the Constitution. The report found that “there were no legislative prescripts which empowered Ms Sisulu to make the appointments of members of the NRRTT-DHS [Department of Human Settlements] and in doing so, acted in contravention of Section 195(1)(a) of the Constitution.”

Further, it was found that the officials comprising the Minister’s Advisory Committee, established according to the Water Services Act, lacked the requisite education and experience to perform their functions effectively.

Malfeasance typified the activities of the NRRTT as the chairperson and deputy chairperson were remunerated at a daily rate of R5 549.00 with ordinary members earning R4 317.00 a day.

Previous allegations made by the DA that “the NRRTT was in fact a political campaign team, irregularly appointed at the taxpayer’s expense” were vehemently denied by Sisulu.

“The Public Protector has now instructed President Ramaphosa and the Ministers of Human Settlements and Water and Sanitation to take cognisance of the irregularities resulting in maladministration and improper conduct during the appointment of members of the NRRTTs and to institute remedial action,” noted DA Shadow Minister of Human Settlements Emma Louise Powell.