Response of the Public Protector’s office to the ad hoc committee report

02 July 2007

The Public Protector Adv Mabedle Lawrence Mushwana has welcomed the report of the National Assembly's ad hoc committee on operational problems in the office of the Public Protector. It confirms that the institution of the Public Protector is functioning well and that there are weekly meetings held with the Deputy Public Protector, Adv Mamiki Shai, on the running of the institution.

The Public Protector was indeed approached by committee chairman Prof Kader Asmal with a view to encourage a settlement of the court action. However, the Public Protector maintains that he will withdraw the legal action only if he receives an unequivocal apology from the Deputy and the newspaper concerned for the allegations made. In the absence of such an apology, or an alternative remedy from the committee, he has no other option but the courts to clear his name.

The Deputy Public Protector said she appreciated the report of the committee. “It is true that the Deputy instructed her attorneys to file a counterclaim which was based on the initial publications to which the Public Protector finds action. Deputy is awaiting a public apology for the wrongful publications and it is on this basis that we can both consider putting the matter at rest. Deputy trusts that the Court will resolve the matter,” Adv Shai said.

Both parties are still waiting for a court date from the High Court.

For more information contact Charles Phahlane on 012 366 7006 or 082 856 8188.

For media releases, speeches and reports visit the Public Protector’s website www.publicprotector.org