Madonsela's deputy, Mamiki Shai, had submitted several claims to parliament, the Sunday Times reported.

Shai claims that Madonsela changed findings on a report into the DA-led Midvaal Municipality and deliberately withheld the report's release until after municipal elections had been held.

"The accusation is baseless and totally misleading," Madonsela said.

When her office had begun investigating, a draft report dismissing all allegations had already been prepared.

"It was under the public protector's hand that a more thorough investigation was done and many allegations substantiated."

She had not acted against a senior official reportedly accused of fraud, because the person had been cleared of wrongdoing by the inspector-general of intelligence, she said.

Shai also claimed Madonsela sought to change good governance recommendations which had criticised her conduct, took up cases beyond her jurisdiction, and hired external consultants to handle cases.

Madonsela denied putting pressure on the internal good governance and integrity committee to change its report.

"The public protector is not aware of any constructive criticism she was dismissive of."

She said she had written to Parliament in July asking it to investigate as anonymous letters were destabilising her office.