The article, entitled ‘The role of the Public Protector: case studies in public accountability', has been published in the African Journal of Public Affairs and relates to the Public Protector as one of the Constitution’s so-called chapter 9 institutions. These institutions are created to support constitutional democracy.

Two case studies were discussed to prove the effectiveness of the Public Protector’s role in obtaining accountability by political office bearers and heads of government departments. The first case was from the report entitled ‘Against the rules concerning the lease of office space’ by the South African Police Service in the city centre of Pretoria. The Public Protector identified a number of administrative inconsistencies in the leasing contract. The report ultimately resulted in the dismissal of a minister and disciplinary steps being taken against the Commissioner of Police.

The second case under the title ‘In the extreme’ concerned the unethical conduct of a minister and irregular spending of state money. In this case the minister was relieved of his duties.

The article proved the value of the Public Protector in ensuring that the Constitution is honoured and that neither politicians nor officials are above the law.

Prof Thornhill’s area of specialisation is local government and other articles published by him concerned administrative dilemmas in African states due to undue political intervention and the political administrative interface. In this regard a second edition of a book by Prof Thornhill on South African municipal government and administration was also published in 2014.