Public Protector's attendance of the DA women's day event

11 Aug 2012

Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela addressed the Democratic Alliance Women's Alliance (DAWN) Women's Day event on held 9 August 2012 in Port Elizabeth. The event was attended by more than 500 women from Port Elizabeth and neighbouring areas.

Attendance of this meeting was in fulfillment of her constitutional obligation of being accessible to all persons and communities as espoused by section 182(4) of the Constitution. It was also in pursuit ofthe Public Protector responsibilities to be independent, impartial and in exercising her powers without fear, favour or prejudice.

On receipt of the invitation, this matter was incorporated into the Public Protector's National Stakeholder Consultative Dialogue for 2012, which includes accommodating special interest groups that request a specialised interface with the Public Protector.

The Public Protector's address focused on the constitutional promise to women and people of South Africa, and ensuring that the mechanisms arein place to assist the people to hold the State accountable. The main thrust of the Public Protector's speech was on the Public Protector's role as one of the public accountability institutions.

As normally happens in these outreach meetings, people were given an opportunity to ask questions and lodge complaints, which they did. A lot of the complaints related to RDP housing challenges. People were further encouraged to advise others to lodge RDP and other service delivery complaints.

The Public Protector does not decline any request by community groups that require her services.

Statement issued by Public Protector South Africa, August 11 2012

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