Final shortlist for position of Public Protector announced

The ad hoc committee was initially expected to only shortlist 10.

The candidates will be interviewed on the 11th of August.

Thuli Madonsela's term comes to an end in September.

The 14 shortlisted candidates are: 

• Judge Sharise Weiner

• Judge Siraj Desai

• Advocate Kevin Malunga

• Advocate Nonkosi Cetywayo

• Advocate Mhlaliseni Mthembu

• Advocate Madibeng Mokoditwa

• Advocate Mamiki Goodman

• Adjunct Professor Narnia Bohler-Muller

• Professor Bongani Majola

• Busisiwe Mkhwebane 

• Jill Oliphant

• Muvhango Lukhaimane

• Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh

• Willie Hofmeyer

Explaining the criteria that was used in arriving at this shortlist, committee Dr Makhosi Khoza, said the committee agreed to focus on four thematic areas such as character of the nominee, experience, knowledge and skills.

Khoza further said these thematic areas were used over and above the minimum requirements which are prescribed by law.

"It was important for us to understand other attributes a candidate possesses so as to determine whether they are 'a fit and proper person' for this position," said Dr Khoza. 

The committee also expressed its satisfaction at the number of female candidates shortlisted for this position. 

"The eight females on the shortlist are not only there to give effect to the gender sensitivity principle of our constitutional democracy, but are on the list because they meet the minimum requirements and the criteria the Committee adopted," added Khoza.

The interview process will not take more than an hour per candidate, the committee said.

 A minimum of 10 to 15 minutes will be given to each candidate to do a presentation. The remainder of the hour will be an opportunity for committee members to engage each candidate. 

The committee said it plans to interview all the candidates on the same day and intends for candidates to arrive at the same time in a bid to avoid others having an advantage over others, as the interviews will be broadcast live.