Deputy Speaker,
The ACDP supports this report regarding the remuneration of the Public Protector and Deputy Public Protector.
The Public Protector plays a crucial role in the fight against corruption and maladministration. The Constitutional Court in the Nkandla judgment affirmed this with former Chief Justice, Moegeng stating that constitutionalism, accountability, and the rule of law together make: “The sharp and mighty sword that stands ready to chop the ugly head of impunity off its stiffened neck.” “The Public Protector,” he said, “is the embodiment of the biblical David. That is who the public is, who fights the most powerful and very well-resourced Goliath that impunity and corruption by government officials are.”
The ACDP agrees with this sentiment, and for this reason, supports these reports.
And whilst we are talking about the biblical David, a Jewish king, may we join the Jewish people worldwide, who celebrate the Festival of Purim today. Those of us who are believers, who are Christians, will know from the Book of Esther and from the Jewish faith that Queen Esther saved the Jewish people in Persia (modern-day Iran) from the planned destruction by Haman on this day. May a similar fate befall all those modern-day Hamans who seek the destruction of the Jewish people and the State of Israel.
Chag Sameach Purim! (Happy Purim)
Am Yisrael Chai! (The people of Israel live)
Thank you.
