Retired Judge Takalani Raulinga has defended his judicial independence after criticism over his former ANC membership, saying he disclosed his political affiliation and has remained impartial throughout his 19-year judicial career.
The Chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola has defended the appointment of retired Judge President Takalani Raulinga as the oversight judge for the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).
Nqola dismissed criticism of the appointment as an attempt to tarnish the judge's reputation.
This comes after the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party lodged a formal objection with Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, urging her to reconsider the appointment.
The MK Party argues that Raulinga's disclosed association with President Cyril Ramaphosa and his previous political affiliations could undermine public confidence in the independence of the office and create a reasonable apprehension of bias.
