Public Protector concerned over extraordinary, unwarranted attacks
The Public Protector, Adv. Thuli Madonsela, has noted with deep concern the extraordinary and unwarranted attacks on her person and office by the ANC, the office of its Chief Whip in Parliament, one of its alliance partners and the leader of its women's league following the unfortunate leak and publishing of her confidential letter to President Jacob Zuma.
Her reading of the public statements and comments attributed to these parties is that there is an attempt to interfere with the functioning of her office in violation of Section 181(4) of the Constitution, which states that no person or organ of state may interfere with the functioning of institutions supporting democracy.
The Public Protector calls on the parties to respect the Constitution and allow her to execute her duties without fear or favour.
She wishes to remind the parties that she exercises her powers in terms of the Constitution, which powers are to investigate, report and take appropriate remedial action.
The Public Protector also wishes to indicate that she deals with all complaints consistently, including following up on the implementation of the remedial action outlined in all her investigation reports.