Parliament’s Justice Portfolio Committee will begin the process of appointing a new deputy Public Protector today. The position has been vacant for nearly a year, and eight candidates have been shortlisted for consideration.
This marks the committee’s second attempt to fill the role. Earlier this year, the process was abandoned following a legal opinion that raised concerns of potential bias due to the involvement of former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane. The controversy stemmed from allegations that an Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP failed to disclose their relationship with two of the candidates.
Among the shortlisted candidates are three returning contenders: Ponatshego Mogaladi, Adv. Shadrack Tebeile, and Adv. Tseliso Thipanyane. Mogaladi previously had a labour dispute with Mkhwebane, while Tebeile provided pro bono legal services to her during her term.
The remaining candidates are Dr. Chana Pilane-Majake, Adv. Dinkie Dube, Adv. Siphokazi Moleshe, Themba Mthethwa, and Tommy Bunguzana. These eight individuals were selected from a pool of 27 applicants.
The committee aims to ensure a transparent and fair process in identifying a suitable candidate to support the Office of the Public Protector.