Public Protector launches 2012 National Stakeholder Consultative Dialogue

 

Public Protector Adv. Thuli Madonsela will on Thursday, July 12, 2012 launch her office’s National Stakeholder Consultative Dialogue.

 

This year’s stakeholder dialogue is themed: “Joining hands to end maladministration and ensure responsive service delivery: Focus on RDP houses and regulatory gaps on the illegal conversion of panel vans into taxis.”

 

The dialogue combines the Public Protector's annual stakeholder consultative process, which is in its third year, with public hearings on two systemic investigations that the Public Protector is currently conducting.

 

The first investigation focuses on systemic service delivery challenges in the delivery of social (RDP) housing across the country. Issues covered include waiting lists, procurement concerns, quality of homes, conveyance arrangements, sale of RDP homes and allegations of corruption.

 

The second investigation focuses on regulatory challenges regarding the conversion of panel vans into taxis used for passenger transport. Issues for discussion, include the regulatory framework and accountability for challenges such as safety and passenger insurance.

 

The consultative process, incorporating public hearings, kicks off on 12 August 2012 and will run for two months ending in the first week of September 2012. Apart from public hearings, the process will also include community outreach clinics that will take place in all nine provinces.

 

“Experts, members of the public and organs of state are invited to shed light on any administrative and governance issues regarding RDP housing and the regulatory issues surrounding the panel van conversions. Personal stories on either investigation are welcome and so are ideas on possible ways to take these matters forward in a manner consistent with fairness, justice and good governance,” says the Public Protector.

 

The launch, which takes place in Pretoria on 12 July 2012 will be attended by government officials, housing sector, the banking industry, taxi industry, engineering industry, automotive manufacturers, insurance industry, academics, research, media commentators and civil society.

 

The stakeholder dialogue and the public hearings incorporated in this year's dialogue form part of the Public Protector’s long term vision to strengthen constitutional democracy through entrenching good governance and integrity in all state affairs. The campaign also forms part of the constitutional injunction that the Public Protector be accessible to all persons and communities

 

The Public Protector will spend at least two days in each province, conversing with civil society, government officials, political parties, civil society, and experts in areas under the spotlight, members of legislatures and members of the Executive. Special interest groups such as young people, women, people with disabilities, older persons and rural communities are particularly encouraged to attend.

 

Details of the launch are as follows:
 

Media is invited to attend and cover the event. Those who wish to do so can RSVP to Oupa Segalwe on (012) 366 7035 / 0722643273.