South Africa’s Public Protector begins an official visit to Malta ahead of Thematic Lecture on Transparency, Fairness, and Accountability

South Africa’s Public Protector begins an official visit to Malta ahead of Thematic Lecture on Transparency, Fairness, and Accountability

Published June 11, 2025

Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, Public Protector of South Africa, is in Malta at the invitation of Parliamentary Ombudsman Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon to address the thematic lecture “Transparency, Fairness and Accountability: Cornerstones of Good Administration – The Mandate of the Ombudsman.”

The lecture, which will take place on 12 June 2025 in the Plenary Hall of the House of Representatives, is the first in a series of events marking the thirtieth anniversary of the Office of the Ombudsman. It will explore fundamental principles of public administration and emphasise the Ombudsman’s role. Members of Parliament, senior civil servants, academics, civil-society representatives, and other stakeholders are expected to attend, and a Q&A session will allow direct engagement with both Adv. Gcaleka and Judge Zammit McKeon.

Adv. Gcaleka’s visit began with a working meeting with the Ombudsman and Commissioners Perit Alan Saliba (Environment & Planning) and Professor Ray Galea (Health). Their discussion focused on the constitutional protection enjoyed by both institutions, their respective functions, and the common challenges faced by oversight bodies in Malta and South Africa. The session also served as final preparation for the thematic lecture, ensuring that key comparative points will be addressed during the event.

The Public Protector then toured the Ombudsman’s Office, where Judge Zammit McKeon introduced her to the staff and highlighted the collaborative spirit that underpins the institution’s work.

In the afternoon, Judge Zammit McKeon and Adv. Gcaleka paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Anglu Farrugia. Their conversation centred on strengthening democratic institutions, reinforcing public trust, and the evolving role of ombudsman offices in promoting transparency and accountability across jurisdictions. The Ombudsman thanked the Speaker for hosting and chairing the upcoming lecture and for his enduring support of the institution.