By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the role the Public Protector South Africa’s (PPSA) office is playing in holding the powerful to account.
Ramaphosa is delivered the keynote address during a dinner of the PPSA 30-year Anniversary International Conference held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Western Cape Province.
The Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) is celebrating 30 years of strengthening constitutional democracy with a high-level international conference taking place from the 13th to the 15th of October 2025 under the theme: “30 Years of strengthening constitutional democracy-a transformative journey.”
Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka paid tribute to past public protectors and staff for their resilience, integrity, and commitment to justice during challenging time.
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.
Reflecting on 30 years of the Public Protector’s existence, Ramaphosa described the Office of the Public Protector as the pride of the country’s constitutional order over the last 30 years.
He acknowledged that the Office of the Public Protector, like most public bodies, faced challenges of capacity and resources.
He said the Public Protector gave a voice to the voiceless, noting that the Office had played a vital role in changing the relationship between citizens and the State.
“As a country, we aspire to be a society where government and national institutions treat citizens justly and with compassion, always and in all their affairs. Over 30 years, the Office of the Public Protector has forged a bond with the citizens of this country.
“At the same time, it has forged relationships with institutions across the arms of State and throughout society, “he noted.
Ramaphosa said the Office of the Public Protector had sought to promote cooperation and collaboration, understanding that an efficient, effective and ethical State was an aspiration to all.
“It is essential for all organs of State to see the Public Protector as a partner in serving the people of this country,” he said.
This historic event brought together experts and leaders from across South Africa, Africa and the globe, including ombuds institutions, Public Protectors, Ant-Corruption Institutions, civil society, academia, and faith-based leaders, to reflect on the three decades of the PPSA supporting and strengthening constitutional democracy, and to assist in charting the way forward for implementing ethical governance and strengthening accountability in public institutions.
Reverend Chris Nissen of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) said the institution has achieved a great deal, but its impact depends on cooperation with other state bodies and the justice system.
“The Public Protector investigates and makes findings, but prosecution lies elsewhere,” he said. “The criminal justice system needs to be more effective. Reports are there, but follow-up and convictions are lacking.”
He added that the growing number of commissions and inquiries must now produce visible results.
“We’ve seen explosive findings in recent commissions; they can’t be ignored. It’s time for action to follow evidence, “he said.
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.”