8 candidates shortlisted for deputy Public Protector position

CAPE TOWN - Parliament’s justice committee has shortlisted eight candidates to be interviewed in March for the job of deputy Public Protector.

One of the candidates has been nominated for the job before, while another was interviewed just last year for the post.

All nominations for the shortlist came from the African National Congress (ANC), with the Democratic Alliance (DA) making none - from a list of 44 candidates who either applied or were nominated for the job.

The deputy Public Protector’s post became vacant last year when Kholeka Gcaleka was promoted to the top job after acting in the position for a year.

She will, according to the Public Protector Act be able to set the functions and responsibilities of her deputy.

Four women and four men will be interviewed for the job.

Former Public Protector, and now Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament (MP), Busisiwe Mkhwebane made the only other nomination, but the candidate did not meet the minimum requirements.

Chairperson of the justice committee Bulelani Magwanishe said, 'the legislation is quite clear especially on the minimum ten years.”

A former Human Rights Commission CEO, now working in the office of the Chief Justice,  Tseliso Thipanyane will face the committee for a second interview in six months having previously applied for the public protector job.

Meanwhile, Ponatshego Mogaladi who is the executive director for investigations in the Public Protector’s office, has also been shortlisted.

Limpopo advocate Shadrack Tebeile - who was nominated for the same job in 2019, has made the cut to be interviewed this time around.

The full list of candidates to be interviewed:

Adv. Shadrack Tebeile

Adv. Tommy Bunguzana

Mr  Azwidini Mavhidula

Adv. Tseliso Thipanyane

Adv. Siphokazi Moleshe

Ms Ponatshego Mogaladi

Magistrate Lindiwe Mkhize

Adv. Mari Marriott