Ramaphosa hails Public Protector's 30-year legacy

IN A compelling address at the Public Protector of South Africa’s 30th Anniversary International Conference in Cape Town, President Cyril Ramaphosa celebrated the institution’s three-decade legacy as a pillar of South Africa's constitutional democracy.

- NOLWANDLE NTSHIZA

Far more than a watchdog, the Office of the Public Protector serves as a moral mirror, reflecting the nation’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law.

Speaking to ombudspersons, legal experts, and global anti-corruption advocates, Ramaphosa hailed the institution’s transformative role in reshaping the relationship between the state and its citizens.

Drawing on the words of the late Chief Justice Ismail Mahomed, Ramaphosa described constitutions as expressions of a nation’s shared aspirations and ethical direction. Established under South Africa's 1996 Constitution, the Public Protector embodies these ideals, acting as a guardian of public interest and a shield against state overreach. Its mandate, he stressed, ensures that state power remains lawful, fair, and accountable, cementing its place as a cornerstone of democracy.