Cape Town – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi to urgently appoint an acting head of the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) following the departure of Andrea Johnson.
The DA said in a statement that the permanent appointment of Johnson’s successor is the responsibility of President Cyril Ramaphosa, while Kubayi is responsible for appointing an acting head in the interim.
The party said Kubayi had promised on 30 July 2026 to appoint an acting head “within days” but claimed that no appointment had been made three weeks later.
The DA’s spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach MP, said the delay demonstrated a lack of urgency in the fight against corruption.
“While the directorate tasked with fighting corruption remains rudderless, criminals loot municipal budgets with abandon,” she said.
The party argued that residents were ultimately affected by corruption and that the absence of an acting head could undermine efforts to investigate corruption.
The DA said IDAC needs a capable acting leader while Parliament considers its proposed Anti-Corruption Commission Bill.
MADLANGA COMMISSION | Fadiel Adams alleges that IDAC’s Andrea Johnson lied in her testimony, maintaining that he never delivered the documents in Pretoria. pic.twitter.com/tC6caWOXeN
— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 21, 2026
According to the party, the proposed legislation would establish an independent body with the authority to investigate and prosecute corruption and would protect it from political influence.
The DA said its proposed commission would operate in a similar manner to a Chapter 9 institution.
It also criticised IDAC’s record since its establishment, arguing that the directorate had failed to demonstrate sufficient independence.
“Less than two years after its inception, IDAC has proved to be anything but independent, and our Bill provides a long-term solution to the Directorate’s failings,” said Breytenbach.
The DA accused Kubayi of failing to act on her commitment to appoint an acting head and argued that the delay affected communities dealing with corruption and poor municipal services.
“Fighting corruption puts water in your tap. It keeps the lights on. It fixes roads, cleans your town and keeps you safe,” she said.
The DA said it would continue pushing for stronger anti-corruption measures and improved municipal governance.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
