By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services on Wednesday shortlisted eight candidates to be interviewed for the position of Deputy Public Protector (DPP)
All nominations for the shortlist came from the African National Congress (ANC), with the Democratic Alliance (DA) making none – from a list of 44 candidates who either applied or were nominated for the job.
The deputy Public Protector’s post became vacant last year when Kholeka Gcaleka was promoted to the top job after acting in the position for a year.
She will, according to the Public Protector Act be able to set the functions and responsibilities of her deputy.
Four women and four men will be interviewed for the job.
Chairperson of the justice committee Bulelani Magwanishe said, the committee received 46 applications and nominations, and two of those withdrew shortly afterwards.
The eight remaining candidates will undergo a screening process.
The committee agreed that at least 50% of the candidates to be interviewed must be female.
The full list of candidates to be interviewed:
- Shadrack Tebeile
- Tommy Bunguzana
- Azwidini Mavhidula
- Tseliso Thipanyane
- Siphokazi Moleshe
- Ponatshego Mogaladi
- Lindiwe Mkhize
- Mari Marriott
The interviews are expected to take place on March 12, in Parliament, and the annual salary for the position is R1 924 542.
Magwanishe explained that the DPP is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the National Assembly for a term period determined at the President’s discretion, but not exceeding seven years.
The DPP can be reappointed for one additional term.
The person appointed as DPP must be a South African citizen who is admitted as an advocate or an attorney and have at least 10 years of varying legal experience, as set out by the committee.