The shortlisted candidates vying for the public protector position have been announced by the ad hoc committee established to recommend a person for the appointment.
The 14 shortlisted candidates are as follows:
- Judge Sharise Weiner
- Judge Sirajudien Desai
- Adv Kevin Malunga
- Adv Nonkosi Cetywayo
- Adv Mhlaliseni Mthembu
- Adv Madibeng Mokoditwa
- Adv Mamiki Goodman
- Adjunct Prof Narnia Bohler-Muller
- Prof Bongani Majola
- Ms Busisiwe Mkhwebane
- Ms Jill Oliphant
- Ms Muvhango Lukhaimane
- Ms Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh
- Mr Willie Hofmeyer
Explaining the criteria used in arriving at this shortlist, committee chairperson Dr Makhosi Khoza, said the committee agreed to focus on four thematic areas, namely character of the nominee, experience, knowledge and skills. Dr Khoza added that these thematic areas were used over and above the minimum requirements which are prescribed in the law.
“It was important for us to understand other attributes a candidate possesses so as to determine whether they are ‘a fit and proper person’ for this position,” said Dr Khoza.
The committee also expressed its satisfaction at the number of female candidates shortlisted for this position. “The eight females on the shortlist are not only there to give effect to the gender sensitivity principle of our constitutional democracy, but are on the list because they meet the minimum requirements and the criteria the committee adopted,” added Dr Khoza.
The committee agreed to schedule interviews for 11 August 2016. The interview process will not take more than an hour per candidate – a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes will be given to each candidate to do a presentation; the remainder of the hour will be an opportunity for committee members to engage each candidate.
The committee plans to interview all the candidates on the same day and intends for candidates to arrive at the same time, to avoid others having an advantage over others as the interviews will be broadcast live.
