Justice Minister Clashes with Advocate Terry Motau Over R147 Million Budget

Kubayi dismisses Adv Motau’s claims. (Central News)

by Mathipa Phishego

A political storm has erupted after Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi dismissed explosive claims by senior advocate Terry Motau SC that financial shortfalls forced his resignation from the high-stakes Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System.Motau, the Commission’s former Chief Evidence Leader, alleged budgetary constraints crippled its work. But Kubayi hit back, insisting that the Commission was fully funded and that Motau himself was central to determining his own fee structure.“At no point were formal concerns about the budget raised with the Department,” Kubayi declared.“Advocate Motau was directly involved in setting fees for himself and his junior counsel.”

The numbers inside the R147.9 Million Budget, are that R10.898m is budgeted for Compensation of commissioners, investigators and staff.

Then R100.744m is for Goods and services. Including ICT and Communication for R58.7m. Consultants and Researchers budgeted for R11.1m.

While Legal Services budget is R19.9m. Travel and Subsistence amount is R2.6m. R36.258m directed for Secure ICT infrastructure and capital assets.

Kubayi emphasised that the Commission is housed at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College, a state facility at no extra cost to the fiscus. Security-related expenses will only be disclosed in the final report.

The standoff has thrown the spotlight on tensions inside the Commission, which is tasked with probing corruption and political interference at the heart of South Africa’s justice system.

Kubayi urged Motau to come clean on his resignation, “he must clarify his reasons, rather than placing undue liability on the Department.”

As hearings intensify, the fallout between Motau and the Minister threatens to overshadow the Commission’s credibility. Raising questions about whether politics, money, or both are derailing the pursuit of justice.