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.

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 non-essential state expenses, such as excessive VIP protection, towards oversight institutions would strengthen accountability mechanisms.

Fischer said South Africa continues to excel at developing policies, frameworks, and commissions but often fails to follow through on their recommendations.

“We are world-renowned for our policies and legislative frameworks,” she said.

“But implementation remains our biggest challenge. Whether it’s the High-Level Panel Report of 2017, findings from the State Capture Commission, or even current inquiries into policing, excellent recommendations are made. Still, they rarely translate into concrete action.”

She warned that the failure to act often stems from a lack of political will, protection of vested interests, and poor resource allocation.

“Until we see people being held accountable, prosecuted, convicted, and sent to prison, the public will not believe that the system works,” she said.

On the performance of the current Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, Fischer said there are encouraging signs of progress.

“Advocate Gcaleka is operating under a very different environment compared to her predecessor,” she said.

“She’s strengthening her team and showing independence. However, South Africa doesn’t have a revenue problem; it has an expenditure problem. Until we prioritise funding the institutions that protect democracy, we cannot expect better outcomes.”

Fischer also urged citizens to make greater use of reporting platforms such as whistleblower portals, including OUTA’s anonymous “Whispli” system.

“Many South Africans simply don’t know they can report wrongdoing,” she noted.

“It’s not always apathy; it’s often a lack of awareness. We need to make these systems more visible and accessible.”

Meanwhile, Reverend Chris Nissen of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) linked corruption to broader governance failures, including those affecting migration control and border management.

“When we talk about migration, we must also talk about corruption,” he said.

“Human trafficking syndicates can only operate when officials are bribed. I visited the Musina border and saw how people are processed illegally and forced to work on farms to pay syndicates. It’s criminality funded by corruption.”

Nissen said whistleblowers remain vital to exposing such networks but are often too afraid to come forward.

“People are scared,” he said. “We’ve seen whistleblowers murdered. Until we build a real culture of accountability and protection, many will remain silent. We must make sure those who come forward are truly safeguarded.”

Reflecting on 30 years of the Public Protector’s existence, Nissen 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.

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za 

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