Attacks steal Thuli’s time

DEPUTY Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Kebby Maphatsoe did not mince his words last week when he told reporters that Public Protector Thuli Madonsela believed she was God.

But he didn’t stop there, and went as far as calling her a spy for the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Madonsela will not cower, however, telling POST in an interview this week she would continue to stand her ground. It is only injustice that steals her personal joy – and for her, ensuring justice is very much her purpose in life.

“It’s been business as usual in so far as core business is concerned,” she said.

“However, distractions such as political accusations and misguided litigation are stealing much-needed time, as we spend endless time discussing these attacks and strategising on appropriate responses.”

Madonsela said her office had handled investigations that had been met with “unprecedented anger and wild accusations”.

“The situation has been compounded by the allegations of me being an agent of the CIA, Mossad and MI5, that have been circulating for more than a month, with a fabricated document given to some media houses.”

To tackle some of these claims, the mother of two has an early start to her day, rising at 3.30am.

After a prayer, meditation and a walk, she begins working on SMS responses, e-mails and is active on Twitter.

With over 82 000 followers on Twitter, Madonsela uses the platform to express the importance of the Constitution, which she describes as “strong and resilient” and “a foundation for a constitutional democracy that is built to last”.

Disrespect for the Constitution led to violation of the rule

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela told POST in an interview this week she would continue to stand her ground. of law, according to Madonsela.

“This is particularly so for those of us who work for the State… once the rule of law flies out of the window, the floodgates for rampant criminality and revolt will be difficult to keep closed.”

Madonsela, who was raised in Soweto by parents she described as her main mentors, was appointed by President Jacob Zuma in 2009 to investigate complaints from the public against government agencies and state officials.

Her job as public protector came with the power to recommend corrective action and to issue reports, but she has often crossed swords with the country’s executive – notably Zuma over the R215 million taxpayerfunded upgrade to his Nkandla homestead.

She said her office had received more than 5 000 complaints about everything from service delivery issues to state abuse, at 20 service centres across the country.

The complaints are subjected to a triage process, where jurisdiction is decided:

Urgent or simple matters, which can be resolved within a day or up to six months.

Complex and systemic service failure matters.

Ethical violations, abuse of funds and related conduct failure matters.

“The matters are handled on a first come first served basis, except for financial matters that require urgent attention,” Madonsela said.

She said despite a hectic schedule, she was inspired to finish what she started by a sense of duty and commitment to outcomes as opposed to bureaucratically following processes without results.

The driving force behind her work were her team, which she said worked “beyond the call of duty,” and the people of South Africa “who appreciate our modest efforts”.

Madonsela says she credits Albertina Sisulu, staff of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies under Justice Dennis Davis, and her church – Hatfield Christian Church – as being instrumental in her success.

When asked if she feared for her safety, Madonsela said both her family and staff members had raised concerns.

She usually leaves the office at around 7.30pm for home, where she enjoyed watching local soapies such as Isibaya and Muvhango with her children.

Asked how people reacted to her at school functions or out grocery shopping, she said: “I’m amazed at the enthusiastic reception I get, it is surreal really. People are always coming forward to shake my hand and say, ‘you and your team are doing a great job’. Women and young ones announce that I’ve helped strengthen their resolve. People’s appreciation of our work generally far exceeds our expectation and efforts.”