Public Protector Outreach Program Raises Awareness in Sekwati Street Sebokeng, Gauteng, South Africa – August 13, 2024
Written by Mxolisi on August 28, 2024
Moreene Mabasa, along with the Public Protector’s outreach team, held an informative session at the Zone 7 Presbyterian Church on Sekwati Street (Zn7 11754). The event aimed to educate the community about the functions of the Public Protector’s office and how it can address grievances against local, provincial, and national government entities.
Ms. Mabasa provided a clear example: if you encounter a rude or dismissive nurse at a clinic, you can submit a complaint through a designated locker box. The outreach team will then investigate the matter.
The Public Protector’s office accepts complaints anonymously. You can also reach them via email at Jhbregistry@pprotect.org or by contacting Ms. Mabasa directly on Fridays during office hours at 068 111 5141.
One community member raised a question regarding the two-year limit for investigations. Ms. Mabasa clarified that while the office prioritizes recent issues, older complaints are not entirely disregarded. These are typically handled by the Public Protector’s head office.
This two-year protocol aligns with Section 6(4) of the Public Protector Act, 1994. This section empowers the Public Protector to investigate, on their own initiative or based on a complaint, any alleged abuse of power, unfair treatment, or undue delay by a government official.
A resident of Vanderbijlpark, Ms. Kabi Tsholo, expressed her frustration with the dilapidated state of Frekie Myr Road and the Emfululeni municipality’s failure to collect garbage. This issue has forced residents to hire a private company, but they are unable to pay directly for services, and their bills continue to accumulate. Ms. Tsholo reported that the outstanding amount now stands at R345,000.
This event served as a valuable platform for the Public Protector’s office to connect with the community and address their concerns. The outreach program empowered residents to understand their rights and seek recourse for grievances with government services.
