JOHANNESBURG – Public Protector Thuli Madonsela has been named as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world.
The annual list includes the likes of United States President Barack Obama, Russian President Vladimir Putin and whistleblower on US spying practices Edward Snowden.
The list, which is now in its 11th year, recognises "the activism, innovation and achievement of the world’s most influential individuals," according to Time.
The publication describes Madonsela as South Africa’s “fearless public advocate”, citing her work on constitutional and land reform as well as her struggle for the protection of human rights.
The 51-year-old public protector is described as an inspirational example of what African public officers need to be, with Time adding that her job requires extraordinary courage and patriotism.
In her response to the honour, Madonsela says she’s humbled and sees the accolade as recognition of the work of everyone in her office.
She says she’s surprised that her team’s “modest efforts” are being recognised not only at home, but also elsewhere in the world.
“Like several other accolades that have been bestowed on me, I regard my inclusion in the Time 100 as an acknowledgement of the selfless efforts of the Public Protector team at large,” she said.
