KWAMHLANGA – The Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) has brought its services closer to the people of KwaNdebele with the opening of a new satellite office at the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court in Thembisile Hani Municipality.
Speaking at the official launch on Friday, April 4, Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka said the move forms part of the institution’s strategy to expand access to justice, especially for communities in remote areas.
“This is part of our strategy to ensure that communities, particularly those in rural and remote areas, have access to our services. The satellite office will not only provide easier access but will also save people time and money when seeking assistance,” said Gcaleka.
She also reflected on the ongoing case of a seven-year-old child known as Cwecwe from the Eastern Cape, expressing concern about the way society handles such serious issues.
“Many cases like this go unreported. We welcome the government’s intervention and condemn all forms of violence against women and children. This incident occurred nine months after we released a report highlighting systemic failures in the criminal justice system relating to gender-based violence,” she said.
Gcaleka also emphasised that the PPSA is actively investigating systemic issues in the country’s child maintenance system.
“Our investigation is progressing well, and we aim to finalise it in the coming months,” she added.
The satellite office will operate on Tuesdays and Fridays from 09:00 to 15:00 and will handle a variety of complaints.
Nkangala Local House of Traditional Leaders Chairperson, Sipho Mahlangu, welcomed the decision to bring the office closer. “As traditional leaders, we are grateful. The only PPSA office was in Nelspruit, over 300km away. We are hopeful this one will serve our people efficiently,” he said.
