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The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development today interviewed eight candidates who are competing for the position of Deputy Public Protector (DPP).
 
Committee Chairperson Mr Xola Nqola said the position became vacant late last year when the then DPP was appointed as Public Protector (PP). He said the committee received 27 applications and nominations and shortlisted eight candidates for interviews.
 
At the start of the meeting, Mr Nqola reminded members of the importance of declaring relationships with any of the candidates that the committee was about to interview. “It is worth noting that the process in the previous Parliament collapsed due to a member not declaring a relationship with two candidates. The committee at the time had to defer the appointment to this Parliament. It was unfair to the candidates that applied. We do not want a repeat.”
 
The candidates interviewed today were Mr Themba Mthethwa, Adv Shadrack Tebeile, Dr Chana Pilane-Majake, Adv Dinkie Portia Dube, Adv Siphokazi Moleshe, Ms Ponatshego Mogaladi, Adv Tseliso Thipanyane, and Adv Tommy Bunguzana.
 
The person recommended for appointment as DPP must be a South African citizen who is a fit and proper person to hold such office and who: 

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

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

has specialised knowledge of or experience in, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years, the administration of justice, public administration or public finance; or

has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years, been a member of Parliament; or

has acquired any combination of experience mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (d) for a cumulative period of at least 10 years.

Mr Nqola said the committee will deliberate on the interviews at an appropriate time before deciding on the suitable candidate. “We appreciate your interest in availing yourself to help strengthen the Public Protector South Africa.”

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the chairperson of the portfolio committee on Justice and Correctional Services, Xola Nqola