Parliament, Wednesday, 25 June 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development today received a presentation from the Office of the Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) on its annual performance plan (APP) for the 2025/26 financial year.
The Committee welcomed the APP, which outlines the strategic priorities, planned targets and resource allocations intended to advance the PPSA’s constitutional mandate of investigating maladministration and protecting the public from improper conduct in state affairs.
Committee Chairperson Mr Xola Nqola said the committee acknowledged the efforts of the PPSA to align its work with the principles of good governance, service delivery and accessibility, especially to communities historically underserved by public institutions.
"We note the importance of strengthening the investigative capacity of the Office, especially in light of growing public expectations and the need for timely, credible resolutions of complaints. The Office of the Public Protector remains a cornerstone of accountability in our democracy, and its work must be properly supported and transparently executed,” emphasised Mr Nqola.
The committee raised questions about the PPSA’s plans to improve turnaround times and ensure the implementation of remedial action recommended in investigation reports and the safety of investigators.
The committee also expressed interest in how the PPSA is managing budget constraints, staffing challenges and institutional independence while continuing to serve vulnerable communities effectively. The committee noted that more staff – not just investigators but also support staff, such as data analysts and researchers – will now be appointed to fast-track investigations.
The committee heard that in some instances the safety of staff has become “volatile” as the PPSA investigated extortion matters and those relating to the taxi industry. So much so that in some instances provincial offices would ask head office to investigate matters instead. The committee further heard that delays in investigations due to staff shortage added to this strain. It is for this reason that the PPSA intends to appoint more staff.
The committee underscored the importance of measurable impact and value for money in the implementation of the APP. Members emphasised that all organs of state must give due weight to the constitutional status of the Public Protector and cooperate fully with its investigations.
Mr Nqola said the committee will continue to exercise robust oversight of the Office to ensure that it remains effective, accessible and impartial in fulfilling its constitutional duties.
The committee also engaged with the Information Regulator (IR) on its APP for the 2025/26. During the engagement, Members raised questions regarding the Regulator’s ability to process a growing volume of data breach notifications, monitor compliance with the Promotion of Access to Information Act (POPIA) by government departments, and address emerging threats related to cybersecurity and unlawful data processing.
The committee also expressed concern over the limited budget allocation for the Regulator, which may constrain its ability to meet rising public expectations. It has the smallest budget of all the entities reporting to the committee. Members emphasised the importance of ensuring adequate resources, institutional independence and collaboration with other oversight bodies.
Mr Nqola said the committee will await the IR’s submissions on the amendments to the POPIA and Promotion of Protection of Personal Information acts to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to providing rigorous oversight and support to the IR as it works to balance the public’s right to know with the right to privacy – both of which are fundamental to a functioning democracy.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, MR XOLA NQOLA.
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E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za
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