Public Protector's Tenure Expires in October

8 May 2002

The Public Protector, Adv S A M Baqwa SC will be leaving the office at the end of September 2002 when his tenure expires. Adv Baqwa, the first Public Protector of South Africa, took office on 1 October 1995.

During the multi-party negotiations that preceded the 1994 elections, it was agreed that South Africa should have an ombudsman. Although "ombudsman" is a gender-neutral loan word from Swedish, it was generally agreed that the ombudsman should be given a more descriptive name, hence the adoption of the name "Public Protector".

The Public Protector is appointed by the President, on the recommendation of the National Assembly, in terms of Chapter Nine of the Constitution , 1996, for a non-renewable period of seven years.

The Public Protector is required to be a South African citizen who is suitably qualified and experienced and has exhibited a reputation for honesty and integrity. The Constitution also prescribes the powers and duties of the Public Protector, while the execution of these functions is regulated by the Public Protector Act, 1994. The Constitution ensures that the Public Protector shall be subject only to the Constitution and the law. No person or organ of state may interfere with the functioning of the Public Protector's office.

Adv Baqwa was elected by 75% of a joint sitting of the then House of Assembly and Senate. He is currently also Vice President of the International Ombudsman Institute.

"It has been an honour and privilege to be given this opportunity to serve the government and people of the Republic of South Africa, especially at this critical time of transition and transformation. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity," he said.

Enquiries: Nicolette Teichmann
Tel: (012) 322-1190
Cell: 082 333 5624

Back to Top