Public Protector meets with Black Lawyers Association

Tuesday, 06 July 2010

The Public Protector, Adv Thuli Madonsela, today met with the President and Treasurer of the Black Lawyers Association (BLA), Mr Nano Matlala and Ms Matshego Ramagaga respectively, to discuss possible matters of mutual concern and collaboration between the two institutions.

Among areas of collaboration discussed were investigations, referrals and pro bono services on the part of BLA for members of the public who approach the Public Protector but can’t get the assistance needed due to jurisdictional issues. A long term Memorandum of Understanding will be prepared to define the nature of relations.

The Public Protector reiterated the point that her office sees the legal professional bodies as valuable stakeholders, whose contribution is needed by the Public Protector to deliver on its constitutional mandate, with special focus on access to justice.

“In our strategic plan, we highlight the importance of leveraging relations with stakeholders such as legal professional bodies to improve our effectiveness and efficiency,” said the Public Protector.

Mr Matlala said it was in line with the constitutional mandate of the BLA to initiate mutually beneficial relationships with institutions such as the Public Protector. He emphasised that the expectation of his constituency is that the Public Protector must give full effect to the Constitution and provide recourse to ordinary people.

Other bodies within the legal profession that have held similar discussions with the Public Protector include the Cape Bar Council and the Law Society of Northern Provinces.