By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Acting Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka is among the eight candidates shortlisted by the ad hoc committee for the new Public Protector role.
The seven other nominees include former Human Rights Commission CEO Tseliso Thipanyane, Pension Funds adjudicator Muvhango Lukhaimane,Lynne Marais, Oliver Josie, Tommy Ntsewa, and magistrate Johannah Ledwaba, as well as Professor Boitumelo Mmusinyane.
Gcaleka has been acting as public protector for over a year following the suspension of Busisiwe Mkhwebane by President Cyril Ramaphosa pending the outcome of Parliament’s inquiry into her fitness to hold office.
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.
As a nominee, Gcaleka is expected to face tough questions from MPs on her decision to clear Ramaphosa of violating the executive ethics code in the probe into the Phala Phala scandal.
As part of the selection process, all shortlisted candidates will be subjected to processes such as suitability screening, reference checks and qualification verification. They will also be expected to complete a questionnaire.
After the shortlist was drafted, Al Jamah-ah leader Ganief Hendricks noted that the last two Public Protectors were women.
“It may be time for a male to be Public Protector,” he said.
He wanted to ensure that half the number of candidates on the shortlist were men. As it happens, four of the candidates are men.
“I can live with that,” said Hendricks.
The interviews will take place between 21 and 25 August, whereafter the committee will deliberate on a suitable candidate to present to the National Assembly.