Chapter nine institutions explained

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).^[2] Interpretations vary on whether ICASA is a Chapter 9 institution or not.

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.^[3] Also of concern was spending on the institutions and their lack of mandate to operate outside of the country.^[4] The committee recommended the establishment of a directorate, under the office of the Speaker, to liaise with the institutions.^[5]

External links

• Text of Chapter 9 at South African Government Information

Notes and References

1. Web site: Constitution of the Republic of South Africa: Chapter 9 - State institutions supporting constitutional democracy. South African Government Information Service. 15 September 2008.
2. Web site: You defy Icasa ruling at your peril, Mantashe warns SABC. News24. 12 July 2016. 15 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191215201426/https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/you-defy-icasa-ruling-at-your-own-peril-mantashe-warns-sabc-20160712. dead.
3. Web site: Committee to probe state's independent bodies. Independent Online. 15 September 2008.
4. Web site: Inquiry into chapter nine bodies. Business Report. 15 September 2008. 15 September 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080915060028/http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=566. dead.
5. Web site: First report of ad hoc committee on review of Chapter 9 and associated institutions to the speaker of national assembly. Parliament of South Africa. 15 September 2008.