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At the end of May, once we knew who would be serving on the ad hoc committee to oversee the public protector appointment, we wrote to the committee expressing our support, and making a request or two.
Committee chairperson Makhosi Khoza sent us a cordial reply, saying that our interest was appreciated, and that the committee would conduct the process in a free and fair manner while ensuring that candidates’ rights are upheld at all times.
Read the letters below:
30 May 2016
Honourable Dr Makhosi Busisiwe Khoza Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee on Appointment of Public Protector Per email: mkhoza@parliament.gov.za
And to: Members of the Ad Hoc Committee on Appointment of Public Protector
Adv. Bongani Thomas Bongo Per email: bbongo@parliament.gov.za
Mr Nkosiyakhe Amos Masondo Per email: nmasondo@parliament.gov.za
Mr Nicolaas Jacobus Janse Van Rensburg Koornhof Per email: nkoornhof@parliament.gov.za
Ms Grace Kekulu Tseke Per email: gtseke@parliament.gov.za
Ms Madipoane Refiloe Moremadi Mothapo Per email: mamothapo@parliament.gov.za
Dr Patrick Maesela Per email: pmaesela@parliament.gov.za
Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach Per email: gbreytenbach@parliament.gov.za
Ms Phumzile Thelma Van Damme Per email: pvandamme@parliament.gov.za
Mr James Selfe Per email: jselfe@parliament.gov.za
Mr Werner Horn Per email: whorn@parliament.gov.za
Mr Julius Sello Malema Per email: jmalema@parliament.gov.za
Prof. Christian Themba Msimang Per email: cmsimang@parliament.gov.za
Mr Steven Nicholas Swart Per email: sswart@parliament.gov.za
Mr Sibusiso Christopher Mncwabe Per email: smncwabe@parliament.gov.za
Dear Honourable Dr Khoza
Nomination, Selection and Appointment of our next Public Protector
Yours faithfully,
Kavisha Pillay Bua Mzansi Project Manager Corruption Watch [Unsigned due to electronic transmission]
________________________________________________
Sections 59 (1) and (2) of the Constitution provide that:
Dear Kavisha Pillay
I acknowledge your letter dated 30 May 2016. On behalf of the ad hoc committee, let me express our appreciation for your interest and the contribution you wish to make in the process of identifying the best candidate for the Public Protector position. We also thank you for your kind congratulatory remarks.
As you know the parliamentary processes are open to the members of the public. This, includes organized formations such as your Organisation.
We welcome your participation in nominating candidates as well as raising public awareness about the position.
With regards to making public the names of nominees/ applicants, conducting a live interview on the available channels, this shall be done in the most cost effective way, consistent with the decision of the Ad Hoc Committee of the 1st June 2016.
I’m advised by the Secretariat that the position shall be advertised in the 3 national newspapers and 9 regional newspapers as per provincial demarcations.
Whilst, we appreciate the right for the civil society to raise objections, it has to be clear that raising an objection does not translate to the automatic disqualification of the candidate. We also have a responsibility to ensure that the process is free and fair. The candidates also have rights, which may not be violated.
As you know, the Ad Hoc Committee is responsible for identifying the suitable candidate to be tabled as a nomination to the National Assembly. The candidate must be supported by 60% of the Members of Parliament. This process is followed by the President of the Republic, who must make the appointment.
I look forward to your support.
Kind Regards Makhosi B. Khoza (PhD)