Mkhwebane selected as final Public Protector candidate
The parliamentary committee tasked with finding a new Public Protector has selected Busisiwe Mkhwebane as the successor to Thuli Madonsela.
She was among five shortlisted candidates including judges Siraj Desai and Sharise Weiner, advocate Muvhango Lukhaimane, and Professor Bongani Majola.
All parties represented in the committee backed Mkhwebane with the exception of the DA, which reserved its support.
DA MP Phumzile van Damme said: "I am quite encouraged by the fact that a young female did so well in an interview, but two points make me very uncomfortable and that is that she doesn't have the same experience as the other candidates and the fact that she works for the State Security Agency."
Mkhwebane will be recommended to the National Assembly by next week. MPs will vote on her nomination - with President Jacob Zuma having the final say.
She needs to be endorsed by 60% of MPs.
Candidates faced a gruelling interview process.
WATCH: Highlights from Public Protector interviews
A marathon interview session was held on 11 August - during which 14 shortlisted candidates faced tough questions from the committee.
Deputy public protector Kevin Malunga was among the candidates - however he did not make it pass the interview stage.
The appointment is expected to be announced at the end of the month.
Madonsela's seven-year term ends in October.