Parly committee 'to account in detail' on why process to appoint new deputy PP failed
On Tuesday, the committee said it couldn't continue with deliberations following last month's interviews because the process had been tainted by conflicts of interest between Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Busisiwe Mkhwebane and two of the candidates.
FILE: Former Public Protector and EFF MP, Busisiwe Mkhwebane (in red), sits as part of the committee interviewing candidates for the deputy Public Protector position on 13 March 2024. Picture: Lindsay Dentlinger/ Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - Parliament's justice committee will have to explain to the National Assembly why it's wasted thousands of rands on a failed process to recruit a new deputy Public Protector.
On Tuesday, the committee said it couldn't continue with deliberations following last month's interviews because the process had been tainted by conflicts of interest between Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Busisiwe Mkhwebane and two of the candidates.
It's now unlikely a new process will begin until after the May elections.
The post became vacant in October when Kholeka Gcaleka was appointed the Public Protector.
Former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane saw no harm in her interviewing candidates for the office she once headed and despite connections to two of the candidates.
When she refused to recuse herself, saying she could remain objective, African National Congress (ANC) MPs insisted the process should continue while a legal opinion was sought.
On Tuesday, that opinion suggested Mkhwebane should have been replaced on the committee by another member of her party.
Chairperson of Parliament's justice committee, Bulelani Magwanishe, said the process would have to start from scratch.
"It's important for issues of transparency and accountability, Parliament has already spent money. It has transported people, some of them booked them accommodation, so money was spent, so we need to account in detail."
Seven candidates were interviewed for the post after 44 applications and nominations were received.
Mkhwebane, meanwhile, said she doesn't accept Parliament's legal opinion and insisted she would have remained objective in the deliberations on a suitable candidate.