Following the recommendation of the National Assembly, President Jacob Zuma has appointed Advocate Thulisile Madonsela as Public Protector.
Advocate Madonsela replaces Advocate Lawrence Mushwana, whose non-renewable seven-year term expires this month. Commenting on the appointment, President Zuma said: "Advocate Madonsela takes on an important responsibility, having to protect South Africans against any abuse of power by state organs or officials. She will need to ensure that this office continues to be accessible to ordinary citizens and undertakes its work without fear or favour."
President Zuma thanked the outgoing Public Protector, Advocate Mushwana, for the excellent service he had rendered the country. An advocate with extensive experience in constitutional, human rights and equality law, Advocate Madonsela was most recently a full-time member of the South African Law Reform Commission.
The Office of the Public Protector is an independent and impartial institution established in terms of chapter nine of the Constitution to strengthen constitutional democracy by conducting investigations into alleged improper conduct by organs of State, facilitate resolution of disputes, and report and recommend remedial action.
For more information please contact:
Zingaphi Jakuja
Cell: 082 766 3940
Any other queries contact:
Vincent Magwenya
Presidential Spokesperson
Cell: 072 715 0024
Issued by: The Presidency
18 October 2009
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za)
