Chairperson, I just wish to underline the fact, and also to assure the House, that I will do everything in my power to get the reports and also to act on this, because at the end of the day we are talking here about public universities who are supported by the public. It is taxpayers' money. It is our responsibility as the department to at least ensure that these monies and funds are handled properly and that these institutions are able to act in a manner that is beyond reproach.
So, I assure you that I will stop at nothing, and I will not delay if there is any information that points to the fact that I need to act. Thank you.
Suspension and harassment as well as protection of whistle-blowers
245. Mr D A Kganare (Cope) asked the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
Whether she has been informed of any whistle-blowers in her departments or the entities reporting to her who had been (a) suspended and (b) harassed as a result of whistle-blowing; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (i) is her department's position with regard to the protection of whistle-blowers and (ii) steps has her department taken to protect each specified person? NO3936E