Conclusion of the work of the ad hoc committee on the Public Protector nomination

30 August 2016  

The Office of the ANC Chief Whip welcomes the conclusion of the business of the parliamentary ad hock committee tasked with nominating a person for appointment as the new public protector.

The ad committee today adopted a report on its work conducted over a period of two months, which involved sifting through 59 nominations received from the public, entertaining public objections and interviewing 14 shortlisted candidates. Following gruelling and rigorous interviews, the ad hoc committee resolved to recommend Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane to the National Assembly for consideration as the new public protector to replace Adv. Thuli Madonsela, whose seven year non-renewable contract expires on October 2016.

The ad hoc committee’s recommendation, which requires the support of at least 60% of the National Assembly to succeed, will be tabled for consideration of the House on 7 September 2016.

We commend the ad hoc committee, headed by Chairperson Dr Makhosi Khoza, for the diligence, dedication and excellence with which it conducted its business. The nomination process was administered with highest integrity, openness and transparency, with parties demonstrating political maturity and cooperation to ensure South Africans get a fit and proper public protector.

The ad hoc committee was established in May 2016 through a resolution of the National Assembly and it was required to conclude its business by 31 August 2016.

Issued by Moloto Mothapo on behalf of the Office of the ANC Chief Whip, 30 August 2016