The selection process in choosing the Public Protector – an assessment
7 September 2016
An ad hoc committee was established by Parliament to oversee the appointment of the successor to the Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela. It was chaired by the African National Congress (ANC) MP, Dr Makhosi Khoza. In her opening speech she promised “the best person for the job”. Serving in the committee, were Julius Malema on behalf of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), together with the following: Glynnis Breytenbach, Phumzile van Damme, James Selfe and Werner Horne, on behalf of the Democratic Alliance (DA). Other members included on behalf of the ANC, besides the chairperson, Makhosi Khoza, Bongani Bongo, Amos Masondo, Nicolaas Koorhof, Grace Tseke, Madipoane Mothapo, and Patrick Maesela.
Representing the smaller parties: Professor Themba Msimang for the IFP, Steve Swart for the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) and Sibusiso Mncwabe on behalf of the National Freedom Party (NFP).
Khoza, who proved to be a fair and competent chairperson, acknowledged that a number of factors have “conspired to make the process more fraught than ever - not least the incumbent Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s track record of ruffling feathers in the corridors of power”. She had also acquired a reputation for being fearless, profoundly committed and competent, and in so doing she attracted the attention and respect of the public and the media.
Khoza also commented perceptively that the selection of a new Public Protector “offered an opportunity to engage on issues of morality versus legality”.