
FILE PHOTO: Acting Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka is pictured during an inspection of the R31 road last week. PICTURE: Soraya Crowie
JOHANNESBURG: The ad hoc committee selecting a new Public Protector has adopted a shortlist with eight candidates.
The Ad Hoc Committee tasked with selecting and recommending a new Public Protector for the appointment has resolved to shortlist eight candidates to be interviewed for the position. Eight candidates were shortlisted from 38 who had submitted their applications.
The short-listed names include Pension Fund Adjudicator Muvhango Lukhaimane, Acting Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, and SABC board member Advocate Tseliso Thipanyane. The search is on for the next Public Protector, as suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s 7-year non-renewable term of office will end on October 15th.
Shortlisting for South Africa’s new Public Protector kicks off in Parliament. The Committee’s Chairperson, Cyril Xaba said the shortlist has produced four men and four women.
“We have agreed to shortlist eight names and that the interviews will take place over two days, the 23rd and 24th of August. The names and committees shortlisted are as follows: Miss Lukhaimane, Adv. Thipanayne, Advocate (Lynn) Marais, Advocate Gcaleka, Advocate (Olivier) Josie, Advocate (Tommy) Ntsewa, Miss (Kwenadi) Lewaba, and Professor (Boitumelo) Mmusinyane.
Even though our focus was not to get 50/50 representation in terms of gender, the process itself produced four females and four males. And we are excited that the process has gotten to this point,” he said.
As part of the selection process, all shortlisted candidates will be subjected to processes such as suitability screening, reference checks and qualification verification. They will also be expected to complete a questionnaire.
The interviews will take place between 21 and 25 August, whereafter the committee will deliberate on a suitable candidate to present to the National Assembly.
The support of 60% of the National Assembly is required for the selected candidate to be appointed by the president.