Public Protector Adv Kholeka Gcaleka delivered a lecture at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus on 11 July 2024, during which she emphasised the role of community engagement and the Public Protector in upholding and strengthening South Africa’s constitutional democracy.

Adv Gcaleka highlighted the principles of South Africa’s constitutional democracy, established in 1994, adding that the rule of law, transparency, and accountability are the bedrock of the nation's democratic framework.

"Community engagement is essential for ensuring that the government remains accountable and responsive to the needs of its citizens."

In her address, Adv Gcaleka elaborated on the role of the Public Protector's office, describing it as a vital avenue for citizens to express concerns and grievances regarding public services. She stressed that the responsibilities of the Public Protector's office extend beyond oversight, and that it plays an important role in fostering a culture of transparency and responsiveness in public administration.

Reflecting on the legacy of her predecessor, Prof Thuli Madonsela, she noted the standard set for community engagement and emphasised her commitment to continuing this legacy.

One of the themes of Adv Gcaleka's discussed, the importance of effective complaints management frameworks. She outlined how these frameworks are designed to ensure accessibility and fairness in handling public grievances. By making it easier for citizens to lodge complaints and ensuring that these complaints are handled efficiently and justly, the Public Protector’s office can more effectively address issues of maladministration and corruption.

Adv Gcaleka also provided an overview of the constitutional and legislative mandates of the Public Protector. These include investigating instances of maladministration, enforcing executive ethics, combating corruption, protecting whistleblowers, and regulating access to information. She emphasised that these functions are crucial for maintaining the integrity of public institutions and for protecting the rights of citizens.

"Our role is to ensure that public power is exercised in a manner that is consistent with the Constitution," she said.

In discussing the challenges and opportunities facing South Africa’s democracy, Adv Gcaleka underscored the importance of citizen responsibility and political engagement, especially in the context of coalition governance. She argued that informed voting and participation in political discourse are essential for ensuring that government officials are held accountable. Additionally, she cautioned against undue influence in coalition agreements, stressing the need for vigilance and transparency in these processes. "We must be vigilant to ensure that coalition agreements do not undermine the principles of democracy," she said.

Adv Gcaleka concluded her lecture with a call to action. She urged citizens to strengthen civil society, promote inclusive governance, and safeguard democratic principles. She highlighted the role of the Public Protector as a facilitator of community engagement and a guardian of constitutional democracy, reaffirming her commitment to these roles.

"The Public Protector’s office is committed to upholding the values enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution. This commitment is essential for building a more just and equitable society where the rights and freedoms of all citizens are protected."

From left are Public Protector Adv Kholeka Gcaleka, executive director for corporate relations and marketing, Clement Manoko, and the executive dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr Neo Morei.