Skeletons tumble out of Public Protector candidates’ closets

The interview marathon to choose the next Public Protector held in Parliament this week culminated in 20 hours fraught with a ‘sex scandal’, drama and lies – all the makings of an intriguing biopic.

For the first time since the establishment of the office, interviews for the Public Protector were aired on live national television.

In stark contrast to the incumbent Protector, Thuli Madonsela, a number of candidates had skeletons tumbling out of their closets, which ranged from allegations of running unlicensed shebeens to accusations of assault, cellphone theft and concerns about security clearance, writes Andisiwe Makinana.