Public Protector’s officials reach out

Kenbrink Resident’s Association ( KRA ) Domestic Watch meeting was visited by outreach officers from the Public Protector South Africa (www.publicprotector.org) office Titus Sebesho and Maureen Mabasa. The meeting took place at the Kensington B swimming pool on 17 June. “We are here to follow up on the services that the domestic workers received from the Department of Labour not too long ago,” said Sebesho.

He added that they would also be taking up new complaints that may have arisen, “The reason for taking these complaints is to advise, refer or even open a file for investigation.”

Mabasa explained to the domestic workers what the Public Protector does. “The Public Protector investigates conduct in government, at all levels,” said Mbasa. She further added that these investigations include national, provincial, local government and state-owned enterprises.

A written complaint to the Public Protector should include the following:

• The nature of the complaint

• Background and history of the complaint

• Reasons that you feel the complaint should be investigated

• Steps you have taken to try solve the problem yourself. (Mentioning of names, dates and what was said should be included. Correspondence between officials and yourself should be attached.)

• Your postal address and telephone should be included.

“It was lovely to have officials from the Public Protector’s Office here today. It shows that they care and are involved. The women were able to ask questions and share any concerns that they may have had,” said chairman of the KRA Sandy Heidstra.

The officials promised at the end of the meeting to have follow-ups in the near future with the domestic workers, so their concerns can be heard and dealt with.

Details: Public Protector Office 011 492 2807; www.publicprotector.org

Related article:

Drugs contribute to domestic violence