Kholeka Gcaleka accepts nomination for public protector position
Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, who has been acting as public protector for over a year, has accepted the nomination to take over the role from Busisiwe Mkhwebane permanently.
Mkhwebane was suspended by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June last year pending the outcome of parliament's section 194 inquiry into her fitness to hold office, which is now set to conclude soon.
Mkhwebane's suspension came shortly after she sent Ramaphosa a list of questions about the theft of foreign currency at his Phala Phala farm in 2020.
Her seven-year non-renewable term of office ends in October, leaving Parliament with less than three months to appoint her replacement.
Gcaleka continued with the public protector duties but has recently come under fire from some quarters for a report that clears President Cyril Ramaphosa of violating the executive ethics code.
Opposition parties have already indicated they will be taking the report on review.
Parliament's ad hoc committee looking for the new public protector met on Wednesday to consider applications and nominations.
Chairperson of the ad hoc committee Cyril Xaba said they received 53 nominations and 17 applications.
However, 32 did not comply with the requirements.
The committee accepted 38 people who met the criteria to be considered for the role, including Gcaleka, Advocate Sonwabile Mancotywa, Former CEO of the SA Human Rights Commission Advocate Tseliso Thipanyane, Nombulelo Beauchamp, former SA Human Rights Commission Gauteng head Buang Jones and Advocate Thuleleni Mbhansa.
The list of people who were nominated but did not accept includes Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo, Advocate Dali Mpofu, former public protector Thuli Madonsela, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, Advocate Gerrie Nel and DA MP Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach.
Xaba said all 38 candidates' CVs will be published for public comments until next week Friday before shortlisting for interviews.
"The public is invited to comment on the suitability of the candidates.
“A suitable person for nomination as public protector must be a South African citizen, must be fit and proper, and must comply with the requirements and qualifications as prescribed in the national legislation list," added Xaba.
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