Smooth start to deputy PP interviews despite conflict of interest concerns

CAPE TOWN - The interviews of two candidates vying to become the next Deputy Public Protector went ahead without hitches in Parliament on Wednesday, despite their history with the former Public Protector and now Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) member of Parliament (MP), Busisiwe Mkhwebane.

On Wednesday morning, their interviews were delayed over concerns about a potential conflict of interest.

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After declaring her association with them, Mkhwebane questioned both, despite being one’s former boss and the other the advocate who’s representing her pro bono in a human rights case.

Ponatshego Mogaladi, the Head of the Public Protector Investigations Unit, has worked under five Public Protectors.

In that position, EFF MP Mkhwebane once recommended she be fired. Mogaladi, on the other hand, testified about a culture of fear and intimidation in that office during Mkhwebane’s impeachment inquiry.

But she did not object to being interviewed by Mkhwebane.

“I believe that Honourable Mkhwebane is a professional. She would be in a position to exercise that function. But it’s something that concerns me.”

Mkhwebane questioned her on the undue delays in investigating complaints, as Mogaladi appeared to defend herself on matters they once dealt with.

Chairperson of the Committee, Bulelani Magwanishe: “Do you think this interview was fair?”

Mogaladi: “It was fair, Honourable Chair.”

Magwanishe: “Do you think the questions were fair?” to which Mogaladi responded: “They were fair and relevant to the position.”

Mogaladi believes her 20 years of experience in that office would stand it in good stead should she become the next Deputy Public Protector.