Public Protector Adv Thuli Madonsela has told hundreds of learners at Coronationville High School in Westbury, Johannesburg that her office was getting closer to improving the quality and speed of investigations.
This comes after additional funding to the tune of R10 million was recently received from government. As a result 18 new investigator vacancies would be advertised soon.
Last month seven new investigators joined the office. These plus the 18 who will be recruited will bring the total number of investigative staff spread across the 20 walk-in offices to 122.
Addressing the learners on Thursday, the Public Protector said this would boost her efforts of exacting accountability and promoting good governance in the affairs of the state.
“Even though this is not enough, it will make a difference. It shows that government has been listening to our pleas,” the Public Protector said. “This will help us deal with cases, particularly ‘bread and butter’ matters much faster.”
During the meeting with learners, the Public Protector was quizzed about what her office could do to help with bursaries and social grants. One leaner asked what the Public Protector could do to help child-headed families who were struggling to survive on social grants.
Responding to the question, the Public Protector promised to look into the matter. She said her office would establish if there was a possible policy gap in social security grants.
She said her office had identified learners as some of the members of society who had a critical role to play in spreading the message about its services.
She called on learners to approach her office in the event they observed poor government service delivery in their communities and suspected improper conduct within state affairs.
The visit to the school formed part of the Good Governance Week, which aims to enhance access to Public Protector Services while promoting good governance in state affairs.
For more information, contact:
Oupa Segalwe
Manager: Outreach, Education and Communication
Tel: 012 366 7035
Cell: 072 264 3273
E-mail: oupas@pprotect.org
