New Public Protector has big shoes to fill

While Thuli Madonsela is still in office until October, the hunt for her successor kicks of after President Zuma’s State of the Nation address.

Johannesburg - The portfolio committee on justice has confirmed that it will soon call for nominations for people who will succeed Thuli Madonsela as Public Protector.

Chairman of the committee Mathole Motshekga said on Monday that they will begin the process of appointing Madonsela’s successor after the State of the Nation Address this week.

His committee was still going to work out its programme for the year as Madonsela’s seven-year non-renewable term ends on October 19.

The committee’s tough schedule for the year will include the shortlisting and interviewing of top candidates.

Corruption Watch on Monday called for Parliament to appoint someone in the same mould as Madonsela.

They want a strong and independent Public Protector who would stand her ground against the state.

But Motshekga said they would not follow the dictates of other people in choosing Madonsela’s successor.

He said they were governed by the Constitution and would follow the Constitution in making the appointment.

Madonsela has eight months left in office and Parliament has limited time to start the process.

Parliament will have a tough time in finalising

the process of picking a new Public Protector.

This needs to be concluded a few months or weeks before Madonsela’s term ends.

But Motshekga said they were still going to draft their programme to look at how best to fit in all processes involving the appointment of a new Public Protector.

The justice committee also has to appoint the new chief of the Human Rights Commission.

Lawrence Mushwana’s term also comes to an end at the same time.

The Nkandla debacle has consumed much of Madonsela’s time during her seven-year tenure.

Motshekga said they were looking forward to Tuesday’s case in the Constitutional Court between Madonsela, President Jacob Zuma, the EFF and the DA.

The ANC has often argued in Parliament that Madonsela’s decisions are not binding.

The fight between Madonsela and the ANC in the National Assembly has been dragging on for several years now.

Motshekga said the Constitutional Court would be the final arbiter on the powers of the Public Protector.

“We respect the independence of the judiciary and we are waiting for the outcome with keen interest,” said Motshekga.

He also said the person who will take over as the new Public Protector would be appointed on what is required by the Constitution.

“We are not governed by Corruption Watch. We are governed by the Constitution and we will do what the Constitution requires,” he said.

Political Bureau