Cape Town – Acting Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has been included in the shortlist of eight candidates by the ad hoc committee responsible for selecting a new Public Protector, a report said on Wednesday.
According to News24, the other candidates include advocates Muvhango Lukhaimane, Tseliso Thipanyane, Lynne Marais, Oliver Josie, and Tommy Ntsewa, magistrate Johannah Ledwaba, and Professor Boitumelo Mmusinyane.
Al Jamah-ah leader Ganief Hendricks expressed the desire for a male candidate to be appointed, as the previous two Public Protectors were women, the report said.
Four of the shortlisted candidates are men.
🔴 JUST IN🔴
Adv Kholeka Gcaleka’s name has appeared in most nominations of political parties participating in the Parliament Adhoc Committee selecting the next Public Protector.
From Members representing major parties, only EFF & VF+ didn’t nominate her.
4 females + 4 males pic.twitter.com/PAwDkBrK64
— Constitution First 🇿🇦 (@Constitution_94) July 26, 2023
The EFF MP Yoliswa Yako hinted at opposition to one of the candidates on the list, presumably referring to Gcaleka, who had previously cleared President Cyril Ramaphosa in an investigation, causing displeasure among the EFF.
Other parties were, however, happy with the shortlist.
The shortlisted candidates will now undergo various processes, including screening, reference checks, qualification verification, and completing a questionnaire.
Interviews will take place in August, and afterward, the committee will deliberate on a suitable candidate to present to the National Assembly.
To be appointed, the selected candidate will require the support of 60% of the National Assembly and then be officially appointed by the president.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
