The South African Constitution and The National Public Protector

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This essay will look at the role of the institution of the National Public Protector (NPP) as enshrined in Chapter 9 of the South African Constitution with respect to constitutional democracy. Additionally, an analysis of the powers, duties and it’s (the NPP) institutional relationship with the other chapter 9 institutions.
The protection for constitutional democracy is borne out of answering a question dating back to the Roman Empire: “Quis custodiet ipsos custodies?” which translated means “who protects the rights and interests of the individual against possible abuse by persons in public office?” During party negotiations for a new constitution it was recognized that parties would have to agree on establishing institutions with the mandate of advancing democratic governance. Chapter 9 institutions in the South African Constitution can be defined as statutory institutions established by government, mandated to protect democratic governance. These institutions serve as legislative measure to reinforce their significance with regards to the architect of governance at a national level.
The Constitution provides in section 181(2) a mandate of the NPP which highlights that it is an institution founded on strengthening democracy as to ensure that all state organs are held accountable, in a manner that is fair and not prejudice. Additionally, the NPP is independent and subject only to the Constitution and the law. In that regard, it is accountable to the National Assembly and is instructed to report on its activities at least once a year. Lastly, no person or organ of state may interfere with its independence in fulfilling its functions. In the case of Public Protector v Mail & Guardian the judge stressed that “the Constitution ...

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... borders into what one would call political encroachment, and to look at which point this question diverts from the mandate of other institutions to assist the NPP in ensuring constitutional democracy is upheld.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996

Public Protector Act 23 of 1994

Executive Members’ Ethics Act 82 of 1998

The Public Protector v Mail & Guardian Ltd (422/10) [2011] ZASCA 108 (1 June 2011)
Pienaar, G. ‘Office of the Public Protector Pretoria’ African Security Review Vol. 9 No. 2 2000
Musuva C ‘Promoting the Effectiveness of Democracy Institutions in Southern Africa EISA Research Report No 41 (2009)
Friedman, S ‘Government does not have to change the constitution to beat it’. Business Day, 12 Aug 2009 http://www.businessday.co.za/

Madonsela clashes with MPs’ http://news.iafrica.com/sa/856952.html 3 May 2013

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