The Office of the Public Protector has a surplus of R9-million for the 2002/2003 financial year.

According to its annual report, R4-million of the surplus would be rolled over to the next financial year which begins on April 1, 2004.

An amount of R3.2-million was also set aside for a proposed change in the salary dispensation of its staff.

Approximately 21,000 complaints were settled in this period, leaving 7,000 cases to be dealt with in the ensuing year, the report said.

The office spent R2.7-million on the acquisition of fixed assets.

According to the report R231,866 in donor funds was used for a public awareness campaign, which was completed last October.

The Royal Danish Embassy donated R359,660 to fund the campaign.

The unused funds were returned.

The office has opened new offices in Polokwane, Bloemfontein and Kimberley, the report stated. An office still has to be opened in Gauteng.

With acknowledgement to Business Day.