Who will be the new Public Protector?

The names of the candidates have been released and all eyes will now be on the ad hoc committee that has been established to manage the interview process and appoint a new Public Protector. It is hoped that a decision will be reached with regards to the new Public Protector by the end of August.

The list of candidates arranged in alphabetical order of surnames and is as follows:

1.        Mr Bernard Peter Agulhas
2.        Adv Rhulani Ralph Baloyi
3.        Ms Melanie Bernard (Fryer) (nomination sent via email before the closing date but did not reach the recipient)
4.        Prof Narnia Bohler-Muller
5.        Mr Vincent James Botto
6.        Adv Nonkosi Princess Cetywayo
7.        Mr Raymond Edward Chalom
8.        Prof Pierre de Vos
9.        Judge Sirajudien Desai
10.    Mr Phillip Dexter
11.    Adv Pumeza Futshane
12.    Adv Andrea Gabriel SC (not contactable)
13.    Ms Nombonisa Gasa (nomination declined)
14.    Adv Mathys Johannes Gildenhuys
15.    Adv MT Goodman (nee’ Shai)
16.    Ms Pregs Govender (nomination declined)
17.    Adv Mojankunyane Gumbi (not contactable)
18.    Prof Alexander Mzamo Gumbi
19.    Adv Mark Andrew Hawyes
20.    Mr Nick Haysom (Not available at this time)
21.    Mr William Andrew Hofmeyr
22.    Adv Zarina Kellerman (nee’ Prasadh)
23.    Adv KB Kgoroeadira
24.    Mr Ashook Kirpa
25.    Mr Burt Silverston Laing
26.    Ms Muvhango Lukhaimane
27.    Mrs Graca Simbine Machel (nomination declined)
28.    Adv Zwelethu Madasa (The following nominations were sent via email before the closing date but did not reach the recipient)
29.    Adv Thuli Madonsela (term not renewable)
30.    Mr Prince Sefako Mafojane
31.    Mr Zola Majavu (nomination declined)
32.    Adv Mohale Joseph Maluleke
33.    Adv Kevin Sifiso Malunga
34.    Ms Lynnette Gail Marais
35.    Ms Busisiwe Mkhwebane
36.    Mr Vickqus Nkosikhona Mncube
37.    Adv Hishaam Mohamed
38.    Mrs M Mohlala-Mulaudzi
39.    Justice Yvonne Mokgoro (nominated declined)
40.    Adv Chris Madibeng Mokoditwa
41.    Mr Ronnie Samuel Mokoena
42.    Mr Thokwane Phineas Post Moloto
43.    Ms Tjitlo Monaledi
44.    Ms Audrey Mpofu
45.    Adv Dali Mpofu SC
46.    Adv Loyiso Khanyisa Bunye Mpumlwana
47.    Mrs M Mthebule
48.    Adv MM Mthembu
49.    Mr Themba Phillip Mthethwa
50.    Adv Philani Pilatu Sydney Mthethwa
51.    Ms Janine Kim Myburgh
52.    Mr Krish Naidoo
53.    Mr Gerrie Nel (nomination declined)
54.    Mr Nhlanhla Nene (nomination declined)
55.    Mr Malcolm John Sphiwe Nhleko
56.    Ms Sophy Moipone Noko
57.    Ms Vuyokazi Pamella Noncembu
58.    Ms Nokuthula Sincercia Nwaoshai
59.    Mr Mthuthuzeki Moshesh Nyiki
60.    Mrs Jill Claudelle Oliphant
61.    Adv Vusi Pikoli (nomination declined)
62.    Ms Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh
63.    Mr Tshepiso David Humphrey Ramphele
64.    Mr Riaz Achmed Saloojee
65.    Mr Jonas Ben Sibanyoni
66.    Mr Boiki-John Tamako
67.    Ms Bawinile May Thabethe (nomination declined)
68.    Adv Tseliso Thipanyane
69.    Adv Randal Titus
70.    Mr Khunoana Harry Tswago
71.    Mr Vuyisa Vuza
72.    Mr Hermanus Lambertus Waldicks (Candidate has withdrawn)
73.    Judge Sharise Weiner
74.    Mr Solo Johannes Makhonjwa (The following nominations were sent via email before the closing date but did not reach the recipient)
75.    Ms Linda Carol Mabaso (The following nominations were sent via email before the closing date but did not reach the recipient)
76.    Prof Bongani Christopher Majola (nomination sent via email before the closing date but did not reach the recipient)
77.    Seswantsho Goffrey Lebeya (Nomination sent before closing date but not received)
78.    Dr B Mmunsinyane (Nomination sent before closing date but not received)

The list can be viewed here.

The qualities of a Public Protector

When the campaign to appoint a new Public Protector commenced, the committee revealed the experience or knowledge that a suitable candidate should possess.

“The Public Protector is a state institution supporting constitutional democracy, established in terms of Chapter 9 of the Constitution, 1996. The Public Protector has the power to investigate any conduct in state affairs, or in the public administration in any sphere of government, that is alleged or suspected to be improper or to result in any impropriety or prejudice; to report on that conduct; and take appropriate remedial action. The Public Protector has the additional powers and functions prescribed by national legislation,” explained the committee.

The Public Protector is appointed by the President following the recommendation of the National Assembly. The following are considered when recommending a candidate: The candidate

1. Is a Judge of a High Court; or
2. Is admitted as an advocate or an attorney and has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years after having been so admitted, practised as an advocate or an attorney; or
3. Is qualified to be admitted as an advocate or an attorney and has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years after having so qualified, lectured in law at a university; or
4. Has specialised knowledge of or experience, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years, in the administration of justice, public administration or public finance; or
5. Has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years, been a member of Parliament; or
6. Has acquired any combination of experience mentioned in paragraphs (b) to (e), for a cumulative period of at least 10 years.