Share

Who’s on the list to replace Thuli Madonsela?

accreditation
Judge Siraj Desai
Judge Siraj Desai

Madonsela’s deputy, high court judge Desai and EFF leader Mpofu on list for nomination for new Public Protector

Top advocates Vusi Pikoli and Dumisa Ntsebeza have turned down nominations to throw their hats into the ring to be the next Public Protector, but Willie Hofmeyr, the deputy national director of public prosecutions, Western Cape High Court Judge Siraj Desai and former Consumer Commission head Mamodupi Mohlala-Mulaudzi have confirmed acceptance.

Parliament had received 57 names by Friday’s deadline.

Also in the running is ANC MP Loyiso Mpumlwana, who sits on Parliament’s justice portfolio committee and who has been hostile in his interactions with incumbent Thuli Madonsela whenever she appears before that committee.

“They asked me and I accepted the nomination,” he told City Press this week.

Desai told the Cape Argus this week that he had accepted the nomination.

Deputy Public Protector Kevin Malunga, whose nomination was confirmed last week by Parliament’s ad hoc committee to nominate the new Public Protector, is another candidate expected to be a strong contender.

City Press has also learnt that advocate Dali Mpofu, the Economic Freedom Fighters’ national chairperson, has thrown his name in the hat. Attempts to obtain comment from Mpofu proved futile.

Madonsela’s seven-year term as Public Protector is not renewable, according to section 183 of the Constitution.

Her distinguished term has won her admiration in the country, but has created anxiety that parliamentarians might settle for a less independent new Public Protector.

Ntsebeza told City Press he declined nomination for the position to focus on representing the families of the 34 Marikana mine workers who were killed by police in 2012.

“By the time the Public Protector is appointed, it might just be the time when we have to lock heads with the government parties and my sense was that I owe a duty more to those people.”

Pikoli announced on Twitter on Friday that while he acknowledged all nominations for Public Protector, he was declining the nomination.

Mohlala-Mulaudzi confirmed to City Press that she had accepted the nomination.

Hofmeyr, whose supporters have started a Facebook group called Support Willie Hofmeyr for Public Protector, told City Press that he accepted the nomination and was aware of the group lobbying for him.

City Press has learnt that Pikoli threw his weight behind Hofmeyr, as has retired Judge Zak Yacoob, former Cabinet minister Barbara Hogan, and former ANC deputy secretary-general and now ambassador Thenjiwe Mtintso and others.

Corruption Watch has lobbied for a strong public participation process, which gets under way after the names of the nominees are released.

It could be a high-pressure time as MPs are on the campaign trail. Interviews are set down for the middle of August after a shortlisting process.

The ad hoc committee must finalise its nomination process by the end of August and two-thirds of the National Assembly must adopt the preferred name, which will be forwarded to President Jacob Zuma for formal appointment.

TALK TO US

Who should be the next Public Protector?

SMS us on 35697 using the keyword LIST and tell us what you think. Please include your name and province. SMSes cost R1.50

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
City Press aims to deliver quality journalism to our readers. We aim to bring you groundbreaking news across different beats of the publication. Which beat do you enjoy reading most from us?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
News
64% - 120 votes
Politics
24% - 44 votes
Entertainment
2% - 3 votes
Opinion
5% - 9 votes
Sports
6% - 11 votes
Vote