Some State departments still attempted to ignore the powers of the Public Protector at the expense of distressed citizens, Public Protector advocate Thuli Madonsela said in Pretoria on Wednesday.

"Unfortunately, there are a few organs of state and actors who disregard the Public Protector's processes, findings and views on remedial action," she said, speaking at a National Press Club briefing.

"One or two of these have even questioned my powers at the expense of distressed citizens."

She said while state departments did not need to take on board all the recommendations she made, there had to be "cogent reasons" for contesting her findings.

In the event State entities ignored her findings or requests, she said: "It is in such cases that my office is not going to hesitate to use its full powers to exact compliance with the constitution and the law.

"This will include subpoenas and an order of contempt of the Public Protector where appropriate."

She said there was a clear indication that President Jacob Zuma valued her office and its work.

"In the presidency's dealings with my office, the president has remained true to the remarks he made upon my appointment just over a year ago when he said: 'The Public Protector takes on an important responsibility, having to protect South Africans against any abuse of power by State organs or officials."

She said while some State departments were problematic, others made great efforts to act on her recommendations.

She also praised the media's role saying that it ensured that "that my office effectively plays its role of giving the people of South Africa a voice, remedying government's administrative injustices or failures and reconciling the people with the State."