PHUTI MOSOMANE
The Ad Hoc Committee to Nominate a Person for Appointment as Public Protector (PP) has called on members of the public and organisations to nominate suitable candidates for appointment as the new Public Protector.
Committee Chairperson Cyril Xaba said applications will also be accepted and the call for nominations and applications is open until 7 July 2023.
The office of the Public Protector is a state institution supporting constitutional democracy, established in terms of Chapter 9 of the Constitution.
The Public Protector has the power to investigate any conduct in state affairs, or in the public administration in any sphere of government, that is alleged or suspected to be improper or to result in any impropriety or prejudice, to report on that conduct and take appropriate remedial action.
A Public Protector is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the National Assembly for a non-renewable term of seven years.
Xaba said a person recommended for appointment as PP must be a South African citizen, who is a fit and proper person to hold such office, and who:
(a) is a Judge of a High Court; or
(b) is admitted as an advocate or an attorney and has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years after having been so admitted, practised as an advocate or an attorney; or
(c) is qualified to be admitted as an advocate or an attorney and has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years after having so qualified, lectured in law at a university; or
(d) has specialised knowledge of or experience, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years, in the administration of justice, public administration or public finance; or
(e) has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years, been a Member of Parliament; or
(f) has acquired any combination of experience mentioned in paragraphs (b) to (e), for a cumulative period of at least 10 years.
He said applications and nominations must contain the full name, address/email address and contact details of the person or organisation making the nomination, a signed acceptance of the nomination by the nominee and a curriculum vitae (CV) providing the nominee’s full name, ID number and gender, contact details, including physical address, telephone/cell phone number and email address.
Relevant previous work experience (including relevant dates and organisations concerned) and academic qualifications should also be included.
As part of the selection process, all shortlisted candidates will be subjected to processes, such as suitability screening, reference checks and qualifications verification, and be expected to complete a questionnaire.
The committee resolved on Friday that the State Security Agency and the South African Police Service should be approached to request a dedicated team to assist in the candidate screening process ahead of the interviews.
After consideration of the public comments on the candidates and the results of the screening process, the committee will then compile a shortlist of candidates for interviewing.
The term of the current Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane who is facing a Parliamentary inquiry into her fitness to hold office, ends on 12 October 2023.
INSIDE POLITICS
