Dear
@PublicProtector ,
South Africaโs Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression under Section 16, including the right to question, criticise, and debate the conduct of public officials and constitutional institutions. In a constitutional democracy, public office bearers are accountable to the people and can't be shielded from public scrutiny simply because criticism may be uncomfortable or politically inconvenient.
Any interpretation of the Public Protector Act that appears to criminalise public criticism risks conflicting with the spirit, values, and supremacy of the Constitution, which remains the highest law of the Republic.
South Africans must never be made to feel that expressing disagreement with findings, reports, or public conduct could expose them to intimidation or imprisonment. Democracy depends on open debate, transparency, and accountability. Constitutional institutions strengthen public trust not through threats of prosecution but through impartiality, integrity, and respect for the constitutional rights of the people they serve.
We are concerned that you have not issued a statement on the recently disclassified Phala Phala Investigations by IPID, which presented evidence of alleged kidnapping of public members you are constitutionally bound to protect. Please explain to us why ?
You are a Public Protector and not a Private Protector.
#FreedomOfExpression #RuleOfLaw #Constitution