Public Protector urges the public to provide information on alleged corruption

Public Protector Adv Thuli Madonsela on Friday made an impassionate plea to North West communities to speak out and whenever they witness or suspect improper conduct in state affairs and provide her with evidence to help her office deal with allegations of systemic corruption.

Engaging with the public in Mahikeng during an outreach clinic, the Public Protector told community members that they have a responsibility not to look the other way when they observe abuse of state resources.

She said this is important as state resources used for selfish reasons results in under development. “There is only one public cake. If it is sliced in a manner that a huge portion goes to the selfish needs of people who exercise public power or those connected to them. Development and poverty eradication efforts will suffer,” the Public Protector said.

The complaints raised by community members ranged from slow delivery of services such as water, electricity, sanitation, RDP houses, maintenance pay outs, roads, military pensions and regulation of the taxi industry to allegations tender irregularities, favouritism, nepotism and systemic corruption in the award of tenders, RDP houses, and the North West Housing Corporation, among others.

The forums are aimed at soliciting feedback regarding the work of the Public Protector and foster a common understanding of the institution’s mandate and role. They focus on the importance of implementing the Public Protector’s remedial action.

This is for purposes of ensuring administrative justice by organs of state in respect of service failure and ensuring accountability in the exercise of state power and control over public resources.

For more information, contact:

Kgalalelo Masibi
Senior Manager: Outreach, Education and Communications
Tel: (012) 366 7006
Cell: 079 507 0399
Email: kgalalelom@pprotect.org
www.publicprotector.org