Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development has backed Advocate Ntuthuzelo Vanara’s appointment as acting head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, while calling for work to rebuild public confidence in the institution.
Committee chairperson Xola Nqola told SABC News that trust in IDAC and its integrity should be among Vanara’s priorities. His comments followed Vanara’s appointment after Advocate Andrea Johnson resigned from the position.
Johnson’s departure followed her appearance before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The committee’s response concerns IDAC’s leadership and public standing; it does not amount to a finding on allegations raised at the commission.
ACDP MP Steve Swart also supported the appointment. He cited Vanara’s previous work as an evidence leader in Parliament’s inquiries into the SABC and state capture at Eskom, as well as his experience at the National Prosecuting Authority and Asset Forfeiture Unit.
BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane welcomed the appointment but said the post should be filled permanently. Vanara will serve in an acting capacity until a permanent appointment is made.
IDAC is the permanent investigative directorate within the NPA tasked with high-level and complex corruption cases. Its leadership is therefore central to decisions on investigations, litigation and the management of prosecutors assigned to those matters.
The committee did not announce a timetable for filling the permanent post. Vanara’s immediate task is to lead the directorate while that process remains outstanding.
