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It’s been a long process, but Parliament’s intelligence sub-committee has shortlisted 10 candidates in the hunt for a new Inspector-General. The process was started in 2015, but has been stalled on a number of occasions.
The Inspector-General’s function is to carry out civilian oversight of the Intelligence Services. The successful candidate is appointed by the president after a process of nomination by the joint standing committee on intelligence and approval by at least two-thirds of the members of Parliament.
The Inspector-General looks at the intelligence and counter intelligence activities to determine their compliance with the legislative framework, and can also investigate complaints lodged by members of the public and members of the intelligence services on alleged maladministration or abuse of powers.
In 2015, the African National Congress had to back down from their preferred candidate, Cecil Burgess, when they could not secure enough votes for his candidacy. The process restarted again in April, but was never completed.
On Tuesday, the committee started the shortlisting process again, narrowing down the candidates from 17 to 10.
The shortlisted candidates are: Clinton Davids, Setlomamaru Dintwe, Jayashree Govender, Smanga Jele, Andile Kilifele, Mapogoane Ntshabeleng, Nhlanhla Ngidi, Nhlakanipho Nkontwana, Nyelisani Tshitereke, and Bruce Watson.
The committee chairperson said the interviews would be held over two days, on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.
Once the committee makes a decision on a candidate, it would be recommended to the National Assembly.
