Deputy Public Protector Kevin Malunga is the right man to take over

24 May 2016

Congress of the People will do everything in its power to make sure that the ruling party does not have its way in deploying a lapdog of Mr Zuma to the post of Public Protector. Corruption cannot have freedom to flourish. The South African public needs a Public Protector to safeguard citizens from those who have been readily and extensively abusing power. We will work with civil society organisations such as Corruption Watch and other credible organisations to ensure that Madonsela’s replacement as Public Protector is someone who will dutifully uphold the Constitution and ensure that the office of Public Protector remains a “cornerstone of South Africa’s democracy”.

In order for continuity to occur, COPE believes that in principle a Deputy Public Protector should succeed to the vacant post of Public Protector. Kevin Sifiso Malunga, who is presently the Deputy Public Protector of SA has proved himself to be a suitable candidate to take over. We note from who’s- who that he is a candidate for Doctor of Juridical Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School in the US.

It is an open secret that the tripartite alliance cannot wait for Adv Thuli Madonsela to vacate her office. She has been such a thorn in the torso of the looters who masquerade frequently as politicians and officials. The overlooking of Dikgang Moseneke for the post of Chief Justice on three occasions was a slight he had to bear. It had nothing to do with merit and suitability. He qualified supremely for that post. He did not get it. The fact that he and Mogoeng Mogoeng became good friends was on account of the good grace of each other. It could have turned ugly.

Ideally, the deputy should be serving his her apprenticeship for the top position. If that were to happen, the best will serve South Africa with distinction. Any attempt at subverting the importance and power of the Public Protector will only drag South Africa down and allow corruption to flourish.

Cope calls on civil society, community based organisations, faith based organisations and activists in general to participate in the process of nominating an independent, honest and credible person to succeed the inimitable Thuli Madonsela. Her deputy qualifies for such a nomination and should be given the consideration he deserves.

Issued by Dennis Bloem, COPE Spokesperson, 24 May 2016