Cape Town – Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka has been nominated by a parliamentary committee to become the next Public Protector, a position within South Africa’s Chapter 9 institution responsible for safeguarding constitutional democracy.
However, the ad hoc committee tasked with selecting the new Public Protector is divided over her nomination, EWN reported.
[BREAKING NEWS] Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka has been recommended as the next Public Protector. Gcaleka’s name will be sent to the National Assembly to be voted on. She has been Acting Public Protector since Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s suspension in June last year. #AllAngles #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/zkrKhQeXM0
— eNCA (@eNCA) August 29, 2023
While Gcaleka, the current acting Public Protector, has the support of most committee members, many opposition parties have raised concerns about her impartiality and experience.
Werner Horn of the Democratic Alliance (DA) said that Gcaleka did not provide adequate information about her past government roles.
“She was at best evasive when asked about her time at the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority] as well as when she was special advisor to the [former minister of home affairs Malusi Gigaba],” the report quoted Horn as saying.
Meanwhile, EFF member of Parliament Omphile Maotwe, asserted that Gcaleka demonstrated lack of honesty in her investigation of the Phala Phala matter, which resulted in the clearance of Ramaphosa.
“And to give her the Office of the Public Protector with a cloud hanging over her head is suicidal,” she said, according to the report.
The EFF rejects parliament’s ad hoc committee’s decision to recommend Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka to be appointed the country’s public protector.
The party says the recommendation is “irrational and nonsensical”. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/127DC0QnQK— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) August 29, 2023
Advocating for Gcaleka, Manketsi Tlhape, an ANC MP, highlighted that the deputy public protector delivered an outstanding interview, exhibited thorough preparation, and showcased a distinct vision for advancing the public protector’s role within its prescribed scope, Times Live reported.
Tlhape said that Gcaleka possessed extensive legal practice experience and presented a well-defined strategy for enhancing the office’s accessibility.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
