Public Protector Advocate Thuli Madonsela appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development today to brief the committee on the “visit” by two senior police officers to the Public Protector’s office last Wednesday.
It was noted that the Public Protector’s office was created to strengthen our democracy and to act as a bulwark against government excesses when they occur. It was further noted that the Public Protector’s Office and other Chapter 9 Institutions are independent, and subject only to the Constitution and the law; that they are enjoined to exercise their powers and perform their functions without fear, favour or prejudice.
Most importantly, it was noted that all organs of state must assist and protect our Chapter 9 Institutions, including the Public Protector, to ensure their independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness. To that end, no person and no organ of state may interfere with the functioning and work of the Public Protector’s Office.
The Public Protector informed the committee that the visit by the two senior police officers had succeeded in traumatising the staff in her office; that the two senior police officers were looking for documents which the Public Protector had obtained from the South African Police themselves; and that their visit had not been authorised by the National Commissioner, General Bheki Cele.
Committee members re-affirmed their commitment to protect the status of the Public Protector’s Office and asked the Public Protector to convey that undertaking to the staff in her office.
Moreover, it was essential that a clear message was sent to all organs of state that any attempt at threatening or intimidating the Public Protector or any other Chapter 9 Institution would not be tolerated by this Parliament.
Enquiries:
Modise Kabeli
Tel: 021 403 3403
Cell: 082 077 4682
E-mail: mkabeli@parliament.gov.za
Source: Parliament of South Africa
