Ramaphosa appoints Gcaleka as new Public Protector

Gcaleka, who previously served as deputy and acting public protector, received 244 votes in Parliament last month, putting her above the 60% threshold needed to become the new head of the Chapter 9 institution.

Only 12 MPs voted against her appointment.  

The ANC, IFP, and GOOD supported Gcaleka’s appointment, while the Freedom Front Plus, DA, and EFF were opposed.

Gcaleka's candidacy was tainted by her report on the Phala Phala matter, which exonerated President Cyril Ramaphosa from any wrongdoing.

She will succeed former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, whose non-renewable seven-year term came to an end recently.

Gcaleka’s seven-year non-renewable term is effective from 1 November.

"The President wishes Advocate Gcaleka well in her position and trusts that she will serve the people of South Africa with honour and dedication.”

The National Assembly also impeached Mkhwebane after she was found guilty of misconduct and incompetence.

She has since joined the EFF, which immediately deployed her to parliament.

She will serve on the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services alongside the ANC's  MP Qubudile Dyantyi, who chaired the Section 194 Inquiry that found her guilty of misconduct and incompetence.

The DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach is also on the same committee.

She had previously opposed her appointment as the public protector in 2016.

The Justice and Correctional Services Committee is also responsible for holding the public protector to account.