Functions of the Public Protector

● (1) The Public Protector has the power, as regulated by national legislation:

● (a) to investigate any conduct in state affairs, or in the public administration in any sphere of government, that is alleged or suspected to be improper or to result in any impropriety or prejudice;

● (b) to report on that conduct;

● and (c) to take appropriate remedial action.

● (2) The Public Protector has the additional powers and functions prescribed by national legislation.

● (3) The Public Protector maynot investigate court decisions.

● (4) The Public Protector must be accessible to all persons and communities.

● (5) Any report issued by the Public Protector must be open to the public unless exceptional circumstances, to be determined in terms ofnational legislation, require that a report be kept confidential.

● Tenure: The Public Protector is appointed for a non-renewable period of seven years.