Chapter nine institutions

Chapter nine institutions refer to a group of organisations established in terms of Chapter 9 of the South African Constitution to guard democracy. The institutions are:

• the Public Protector
• the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)
• the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission)
• the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE)
• the Auditor-General
• the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)
• an Independent Authority to Regulate Broadcasting.^[1]

Though chapter nine calls for a broadcast regulator it does not specifically mandate the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa). Interpretations vary on whether Icasa is (or is not) a chapter nine institution.

Parliamentary review

In October 2006 an ad hoc parliamentary committee was established to investigate the chapter nine bodies with regard to employment procedures and institutional governance.^[2] Also of concern was spending on the institutions and their lack of mandate to operate outside of the country.^[3] The committee recommended the establishment of a directorate, under the office of the Speaker, to liaise with the institutions.^[4]

References

1. "Constitution of the Republic of South Africa: Chapter 9 - State institutions supporting constitutional democracy". South African Government Information Service. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
2. "Committee to probe state's independent bodies". Independent Online. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
3. "Inquiry into chapter nine bodies". Business Report. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
4. "First report of ad hoc committee on review of Chapter 9 and associated institutions to the speaker of national assembly". Parliament of South Africa. Retrieved 15 September 2008.

External links

• Text of Chapter 9 at South African Government Information