Public Protector ‘needs more resources to fight corruption’

CIVIL society leaders say South Africa’s Public Protector must be better resourced and supported if it is to effectively hold power to account and restore public trust.

- MANDILAKHE TSHWETE

Speaking during the 30th Anniversary International Conference of the Public Protector, Dr Rachel Fischer from the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), said that while the Public Protector’s office remains a key constitutional institution, it is struggling under serious capacity constraints.

“The Public Protector is a Chapter 9 institution mandated by our Constitution to protect the public’s interests,” Fischer explained.

“Unfortunately, it's hamstrung by a lack of resources, both financial and human. If we want to see the Public Protector succeed, we need to adequately equip the institution rather than cutting funds that should be strengthening it.”

She added that redirecting funds from nonessential state expenses, such as excessive VIP protection, towards oversight institutions would strengthen accountability mechanisms.