Public Protector and Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services to explore possibilities of MOU

Public Protector and the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Service will explore possibilities of collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in their respective functions and roles.

 

This was decided at a meeting between Public Protector Adv. Thuli Madonsela and the Head of the Inspectorate Judge Vuka Tshabalala in Pretoria on Wednesday.

 

The purpose of the meeting was to identify areas of mutual cooperation with the Judicial Inspectorate which oversees treatment of inmates in correctional centers and investigates conditions and corrupt or dishonest practices.

 

The Public Protector explained that her mandate is to investigate report and take remedial action on any conduct in state affairs or in the public administration that is alleged or suspected to be improper or to result in any impropriety or prejudice.

 

Since this mandate is cross cutting, the Public Protector stated that she has discretional power to offload complaints to a competent sector oversight body or watchdog such as the Judicial Inspectorate.

 

The Judicial Inspectorate requested the Public Protector to provide training for the legal unit of the Inspectorate.

 

Speaking at the meeting the Public Protector said she regarded the Judicial Inspectorate as an important stakeholder and is eager to collaborate. The parties identified cross-referrals, outreach, case management and the National Good Governance among others as possible areas of collaboration.

 

The Public Protector extended an invite to Judge Tshabalala and his team to be part of the annual National Good Governance Week in October 2012.

 

The Judge was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer Adam Carelse and Melanie Hartz from the CEO’s office

 

 

Kgalalelo Masibi 

Spokesperson for the Public Protector

Tel: (012) 366 7006

Cell: 079 507 0399

E-mail: kgalalelom@pprotect.org 

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