Kingdom Mabuza

Kingdom Mabuza

People would be better able to deal with problems affecting them if they were informed enough about their rights as citizens.

Public Service and Administration Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi said this in Johannesburg yesterday when she launched a government campaign aimed at making citizens aware of their rights.

Fraser-Moleketi said the aim of the campaign was to ensure that people knew their rights in relation to services to which they were entitled.

"Citizens must have enough information on their rights and the recourse they have if their rights are not met," she said.

The minister said civil servants had a responsibility to ensure that citizens knew their rights.

"Once citizens know their rights and obligations there would be a greater level of accountability by public servants," she said.

A booklet titled Know Your Rights , which advises citizens about services ranging from housing, social welfare, law to health, will be translated into all official languages.

"The booklet is about what the law says, promotion of justice, and access to information."

Tom Manthata, Commissioner of the SA Human Rights Commission urged the government to interact more with citizens at their level.

"We need to encourage dialogue with people and be able to answer their questions."