‘Shocking conflict of interest’ that Tlaleng Mofokeng advising UN while running to be Johannesburg mayor, expert says
“Even if she had resigned just beforehand, the immediate transition from an independent U.N. mandate to partisan political office would still raise serious questions about her independence and impartiality,” according to Hillel Neuer
Assessment
A conflict of interest expert has raised alarms that Tlaleng Mofokeng is simultaneously advising the United Nations on a health mandate while actively running for mayor of Johannesburg. The concern centers on whether her role as a UN independent expert can remain impartial when she is pursuing partisan political office in South Africa. The situation undermines trust in the UN's ability to maintain neutral and apolitical advice from its special rapporteurs. Watch for whether the UN takes any action to address the perceived conflict or if Mofokeng clarifies her status before the election.