What are Chapter 9 Institutions? Interesting info about their Role & Powers | Public Administration

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Chapter 9 of the South African Constitution provides for the establishment of Institutions designed to protect, support and enhance the South African democracy.

These institutions are
- The Public Protector
- The South African Human Rights Commission
- The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities
- The Commission for Gender Equality
- The Auditor-General; and
- the Electoral Commission

According to https://pmg.org.za/page/state-institu...

The Constitution provides for a constitutional democracy and lists the rights to which the people of this country are entitled. To give substance to these Constitutional rights, independent institutions have been established to promote rights and to strengthen constitutional democracy.

Chapter 9 of the Constitution states that a number of "State Institutions Supporting Constitutional Democracy" be provided for.

The task of these institutions is to promote and protect those rights within the Bill of Rights which fall within their particular area. They are impartial, independent and subject only to the Constitution and the relevant laws made in terms of the Constitution. They must exercise their powers and perform their functions "without fear, favour or prejudice".

The Public Protector

The Public Protector protects citizens from unfair treatment by the state and its officials as well as from inefficient administration and dishonesty with respect to public money.

South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)

The South African Human Rights Commission is responsible for promoting respect for human rights by all South Africans as well as protecting and monitoring human rights in South Africa. It does this through raising public awareness, training programmes, special projects, and through enquiries, hearings and legal interventions. The SAHRC receives and investigates complaints of violations of human rights. Investigation may entail mediation, litigation or publishing a report.

The Commission must also monitor and advise government on the implementation of socioeconomic rights.

Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities

This Commission's job is to promote respect for all communities in South Africa with regard to culture, religion and language, as well as to build national unity among these communities.

Commission for Gender Equality (CGE)

The Commission for Gender Equality monitors gender equality and is particularly concerned with the rights of women.

It investigates and challenges laws, practices and customs that discriminate against people because of their gender. It monitors government, the private sector and other organisations to ensure that they promote and protect gender equality. Focus areas include the representation of women in public life, employment equity and the problems of violence and abuse against women.

The CGE aims to educate and inform the public about gender equality. It monitors laws passed by local, provincial and national government to ensure that gender equality is promoted. It also recommends new laws. The CGE monitors government's adherence to international agreements such as the Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Auditor-General

The Auditor-General's office must check on the accounts, financial statements and financial management of all government departments at all levels of government. It is the taxpayers' watchdog, ensuring that their taxes are well spent. It promotes accountability, helps fight corruption and prevents waste.

Electoral Commission

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) impartially manages elections at all three levels of government to make sure that elections are free and fair. Its goal is to strengthen constitutional democracy through regular free and fair elections in which every voter is able to vote.

Disclaimer:
This publication and the information included in it are not intended to serve as a substitute for consultation with a professional. Specific issues, concerns and conditions always require the advice of an appropriate professional advisor. The use of the contained information is at the user's own discretion.