What is the Public Protector?
The public protector was instituted in 1995 as an external state institution in South Africa. As a body tasked with investigation of misconduct in any state affairs, including all government spheres, this is one of the Chapter nine institutions independent of the government – Chapter nine institutions refer to a group of organisations established in terms of the South African Constitution to guard democratic rights and procedure.
This high level official, this is a position independent of government and political parties, which should allow for an impartial governing body to hold those in power accountable. The public protector receives complaints from aggrieved parties, against the government departments, agencies or officials. This body has the power to investigate, mediate, negotiate, recommend corrective action and issue reports that have a huge impact on the power of our government.
With consumer justice and a transparent government in mind, this body deals with a range of issues from the SARP to the treasury, national debt and constitutional transformation. For more information on this and other important bodies, keep up to date with the National Debt Advisors blog page.
