The Public Protector’s year-long roadshow, with a focus on executive ethics, continues in Eastern Cape

Public Protector Adv. Busisiwe Mkhwebane next week continues her annual Stakeholder Roadshow in Eastern Cape. This year’s roadshow, which targets newly appointed members of the executive arm of government in provinces following the recent general elections, will focus on her office’s powers to enforce executive ethics.

In terms of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act 82 of 1998 (EMEA), which gives effect to section 96 of the Constitution and in terms of which the Executive Code of Ethics has been published, the Public Protector must investigate any alleged breaches of the and report to the president or Premiers, who are the custodians of executive ethics in the national and provincial cabinets, respectively.

The Public Protector is the only institution in the country that has the powers to investigate alleged violation of the Executive Code of Ethics. Only members of the executive and legislative arms of government can complain to the Public Protector about alleged breaches of the Code of Ethics.

Over the years, the Public Protector has investigated numerous complaints of alleged breaches of the Code of Ethics by members of the executive at both the national and provincial levels of government.

These included alleged incidences of misleading the legislature, acting in a manner that was inconsistent with their offices, using the positions entrusted to them to enrich themselves or improperly benefit another person and exposing themselves to situations involving the risk of conflict between the official responsibilities and their private interests-all of which are outlawed by the Code of Ethics, EMEA and section 96 of the Constitution.

Themed Governance and Ethics- What is Expected of Members of The Executive, the roadshow will compromise a series of sessions aimed at enlightening the incoming members of the executive in the different provinces about what is expected of them in regards to section 98 of the Constitution, EMEA and the Code of Ethics.

At national level, a similar presentation and engagement will take place under the auspices of the Office on Institutions Supporting Democracy in Parliament.

“The Fact that new executives have just taken to office following the recent democratic elections presents an opportune moment for us to help them understand the dos and don’ts in relations to ethical conduct,” said Adv. Mkhwebane.

The Public Protector’s activities in each province during the year-long programme will be three-fold. She will meet with each provincial executive during a session where a detailed presentation on the provisions of section 96 of the Constitution, EMEA and the Code of Ethics will be made, followed by discussions.

She will also make time to engage the public as part of an Outreach and public awareness initiatives. In addition, the Public Protector will also meet with the speakers of Provincial Legislature to explore cooperation in areas such as oversight over the executives, public participation and public awareness programmes.

In the Eastern Cape, where the roadshow coincides with the International Nelson Mandela Day, Adv. Mkhwebane will visit the Sinomonde Old Age Home in KwaMlakalaka village near King Williams Town where she will take part in humanitarian work.

From Eastern Cape, the Roadshow will move to Gauteng in August, followed by Northern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal in September. From there, it will go to the Western Cape in October, Free State in November, North West in December and Mpumalanga in 2020. Details regard will be communicated in due course.

The roadshow will also be used to follow up on progress with regards to the establishment of these internal complaints resolution units and map a way forward. This was the focus of the previous tour of the provinces in support of pillar 7 of the Public Protector Vision 2023, which advocates for the establishment of effective complaints resolution mechanisms.

In Eastern Cape, the Public Protector’s programme will be as follows:

Event : Meeting with the speaker

Date   : Wednesday, 17 July 2019

Time   : 09h00

Venue: Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, Bisho

Event : Engagement with the Provincial Executive

Date   : Wednesday, 17 July 2019

Time   : 10h00

Venue: Bisho State House, Bisho

Event : Community Outreach

Date   : Thursday, 18 July 2019

Time   : 11h00

Venue: Moses Twebe Hall, Dimbaza

Event : International Nelson Mandela Day Activity  

Date   : Thursday, 18 July 2019

Time   : 08h00

Venue: Sinomonde Old Age Home, Mlakalaka village, King Williams Town

The media is invited to cover the community outreach programme in Dimbaza. Although the meeting with the Executive will be held behind closed doors, journalists are encouraged to attend a briefing session that will take place after the engagement

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