WE ARE DISAPPOINTED AT THE PUBLIC PROTECTOR'S RESPONSE TO OUR CONCERNS
15 August 2012
The Office of the ANC Chief Whip is disappointed at the reaction of the Public Protector to the concern we expressed pertaining to her decision to attend a political party rally. We had expected the public protector to at least demonstrate appreciation that perceptions of political bias have the potential to erode the integrity of the institution and the excellent work she has done since taking office three years ago.
We thought that she will, rather than take a defensive posture and appear irritated at our observations, acknowledge our well-intentioned advice and undertake to exercise necessary caution in her future interaction with political formations.
It is unfortunate that, rather than recognize the reality that the credibility of her office in the eyes of the public is largely dependent on the kind of the company she keeps, she has elected to be dismissive. We feel let down by the manner in which she has opted to respond to our concern.