Public protector needs R1bn
PUBLIC Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane told Parliament that her office needed R1 billion in order to address the risks a ssociated with its mandate.
“For us to be fully operational with a structure fully funded, as you know that only 50 of our staff is funded, is round R1bn to stay afloat and ensure it is effective.
“I know it is scary, but it is a reality.”
Mkhwebane made the statement when her office was briefing the justice and correctional services portfolio committee on their R301.8 million budget for the 2017/18 financial year.
Newly-appointed chief executive officer Themba Dlamini said the requested funding was a “conservative amount”.
Dlamini said the institution was already sitting on a shortfall of R626m over three financial years due to current staff establishment of 50%.
“Two times R626m is R1.2bn, that is why we are saying at least R1bn.”
He said the amount excluded appointment of experts required to do complex investigations.
Chief Financial Officer Kennedy Kaposa said in addition to the insufficient funding, the institution was saddled with other challenges.
“Currently we have security challenges. Only two offices have warm bodies.”
“We need to institute security in our offices (and) that also requires additional funding.”
There was also increased litigation with 21 cases under review against a budget of R5m.
“Some of these cases might take from three months and up to three years to conclude. It can cost probably up to R1m each case.
“There is a real risk in terms of under-budgeting.
“This is one of the risk areas for us for purposes of funding.”
Kaposa said there was also low staff morale due to conditions of service and poor turn-around times from departments such as the State Information Technology Agency, State Security Agency and Department of Public Works.
According to Dlamini, the institution also wanted to transform its ICT, buy facilities and improve security at its offices.
Threat and risk analysis in all offices would be conducted by December 31 to ensure an integrated security system.
“We (will) develop a plan to implement the recommendations of the feasibility study for in-sourcing of infrastructure,” he said in reference to acquiring their own offices. Parliamentarians sympathised with Mkhwabane’s request and offered suggestions how the institution could overcome under-funding.
The EFF’s Sam Matiase said, “We are unhappy that the current allocation is far below.
“If the R1bn proposition made before this committee and probably approved by Parliament and is what ought to be paid, so be it.”
ANC’s Bongani Bongo said in the last budget the committee said there was a need to look at increasing the budget.
“It is my considered view that if you investigate a particular department you must find a way to make sure those who bring matters to you are able to charge them.”
Committee chairman Mathole Motshekga said the issue of state institutions taking Public Protector reports on review needed to be re-looked at, as they and the public protector could end up asking for additional funding.
He proposed that legislation be amended to provide exhausting some measures before courts were approached to set aside Public Protector reports.
“Going to court must be the last resort otherwise we can bankrupt the state.”