By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially appointed advocate Kholeka Gcaleka as Public Protector of the Republic of South Africa.
Gcaleka has been appointed for a non-renewable term of seven years with effect from Wednesday.
In a statement Presidency said, “President Cyril Ramaphosa has in terms of the constitution and on the recommendation of the National Assembly appointed advocate Nompilo Kholeka Gcaleka as public protector for a non-renewable term of seven years with effect from November 1 2023.
“The president wishes advocate Gcaleka well in her position and trusts she will serve the people of South Africa with honour and dedication.”
The National Assembly voted in support of Gcaleka’s appointment last month. She needed 240 votes (60%) and 244 MPs (61%) voted in support of her appointment.
The African National Congress (ANC) prevailed with 244 votes in the debate, where the minimum was 240 votes, or a 60 percent margin. It did so because of the support of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
Gcaleka becomes the country’s fifth and, at just over 40, the youngest ever public protector. Her youth seemed a political selling point for some ANC MPs, who said it would be a nod to the need for fresh, young leadership in the country.