Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, has come out strongly in defence of Parliament’s legal advisory services following questions about their competence and integrity that were raised.

”Their work is rooted in principles of ethical conduct, professional responsibility, and the pursuit of justice in support of the constitutional mandate of Parliament,” Didiza said in a statement.

This comes after remarks were made on Monday during proceedings of the Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi

Didiza expressed concern over the nature of some of the comments made during the committee’s sessions, describing them as unfair and potentially damaging to the institution’s credibility.

She said Parliament’s legal advisers are not just support staff but are “highly qualified, admitted legal practitioners, governed by the Legal Practice Act and accountable to professional bodies such as the Legal Practice Council.”

“Parliament is privileged to be served by one of the most experienced and competent legal teams in the country, distinguished by a wide and diverse array of legal expertise,” the Speaker said. 

She added that their work consistently passes “the most rigorous legal and constitutional scrutiny.”

While she acknowledged that Members of Parliament may disagree with legal opinions presented, she emphasised that such disagreement does not justify personal attacks.

“To cast aspersions on these officers of the court for the manner in which they deliver their legal opinions or for their considered advice is not only unfair and unjust to the individuals concerned, but also poses a serious risk to the credibility of Parliament and to the integrity of its processes, including those currently before the ad hoc committee.”

Addressing the possibility of bringing in external legal counsel to lead evidence before the committee, Didiza said that while external experts may be consulted, they too must be accorded the same level of respect as the internal team.

“Even if external advisers were engaged, they too would be entitled to the same respect and decorum expected towards the highly qualified legal team that currently serves the institution,” she said.

Didiza encouraged constructive engagement with legal advice in parliamentary processes, stressing that while debate is natural in a democratic setting, it is essential to distinguish between challenging the substance of legal opinions and launching personal attacks on the integrity or competence of the legal professionals who provide them.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

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