AfriForum expresses concerns regarding Public Protector candidates

10 August 2016

The civil rights organisation AfriForum sent a letter to Dr Makhosi Khoza, the Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee on the appointment of the Public Protector, expressing its concerns regarding three of the candidates on the committee’s shortlist, asking that it be allowed to submit a presentation to the committee. The letter was sent in light of interviews with the shortlisted candidates that the committee is set to commence tomorrow. The three candidates in question are: Judge Sirajudien Desai, adv. Nonkosi Princess Cetywayo and adv. Willie Hofmeyr.

Ernst Roets, Deputy CEO of AfriForum, says the concerns revolve around Judge Desai’s activities as a legal advisor for uMkhonto we Sizwe during the Motsuenyane Commission; adv. Cetywayo’s political offices within and outside the ANC; and adv. Hofmeyr’s alleged involvement with the controversial dropping of corruption charges against Pres. Jacob Zuma in 2009.

Although concerns regarding the former two candidates have been voiced by AfriForum before the shortlisting of candidates, Roets says that the mere tinge of involvement with Pres. Zuma’s corruption charges are sufficient reasons to raise additional concern with the committee regarding adv. Hofmeyr.

“Advocate Thuli Madonsela has proven in the Nkandla matter that the position of Public Protector requires a candidate who is not afraid to go up against South Africa’s president if and when necessary. Awarding this position to someone who, even slightly, appears to be more concerned with protecting the president will therefore send a questionable signal to the South African public and the world at large,” says Roets.

AfriForum has asked to be kept involved in the appointment process and that the committee provides necessary information if and when needed.

Issued by Ernst Roets, Deputy CEO, AfriForum, 10 August 2016