Protector probing RDP houses, taxis

2012-07-12 14:26

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela (File, Beeld)

Pretoria - Public Protector Thuli Madonsela began an inquiry on Thursday into problems with RDP houses and the illegal conversion of panel-vans into taxis.

"Both of these systemic investigations focus on what we refer to as maladministration involving service failure," Madonsela said in Pretoria.

"A systemic investigation is supposed to get to the bottom of things so that we can reduce the number of complaints."

Madonsela was launching a process of public hearings in every province, starting July 12 and ending August 31.

The theme of the "stakeholder consultative dialogue" was "joining hands to end maladministration and ensure responsive service delivery", she said.

"RDP houses are something that has been a problem for years. RDP houses target the most vulnerable in society," Madonsela said.

She said her office received numerous complaints about RDP houses. This related to, among other things, waiting periods and irregularities.

She said she had no plans to regulate the motor industry or public transport industry.

"The public protector has to investigate allegations or suspicions of maladministration or improper conduct in state affairs."

Madonsela said her office was getting involved because there was an allegation of regulatory failure.

The launch would be addressed by concerned parties, who would discuss the problems with RDP houses and the regulatory gaps in the illegal conversion of panel-vans into taxis.

- SAPA