PRESS RELEASE FROM THE KWAZULU-NATAL CHURCH LEADERS GROUP The Public Protectors office is sacrosanct The KwaZulu-Natal Church Leaders Group (KZNCLG) notes with concern the continued undermining of the Public Protectors office, such a valuable institution meant to be the voice of the people and the conscience of the state. As a Chapter 9 institution, the office of the Public Protector was established to strengthen constitutional democracy and to promote an open and accountable government, after we emerged from a racially divided and oppressive past which disrespected human rights and the most basic tenets of the rule of law. The Public Protector is, therefore, an independent watchdog to support the consolidation of constitutional democracy which gives people a voice against maladministration and corruption, the twin evils which are impacting negatively on the constitutional promise of the South African dream with improved quality of life for all citizens. It is worrying when such a valuable symbol of democracy is attacked. We have seen how it has investigated and exposed abuse of power and state resources. It is such a vital institution which should be given all the support that it deserves, rather than be undermined. If we are patriots with a genuine love for our beautiful country and willing to see it occupy its rightful place in the world of nations, then we have no option but to unreservedly stand in solidarity with it. Then and only then can we achieve the ideal of a state that is accountable and operates with the highest level of integrity at all times while being responsive to the needs of all its people. On our part we will continue to speak out against any threat to undermine the Public Protector because a threat to this office is a threat to democracy. Published by the KwaZulu-Natal Church Leaders Group Contact: Bishop Rubin Phillip, Convenor of the KZNCLG Endorsed by Diakonia Council of Churches 19 March 2014
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 08:56:12 +0000
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