Katlego Sekhu
Acting Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka received the majority vote on Tuesday from the parliamentary committee responsible for finalizing the selection process. However, this decision has not been without its share of criticism, particularly from political parties such as the EFF and DA. Their objections stem from concerns regarding Gcaleka’s suitability for the Public Protector role due to her previous handling of the Phala Phala case.
Advocate Paul Hoffman, the Director of Accountability Now, offered insights into the implications of this decision for the office of the Public Protector. Hoffman emphasizes that the main objective of the selection process is to ensure that a “qualified and impartial individual is chosen to lead the office.”
He points out that the challenge lies in the possibility of a new government next year. Therefore, “loyalty to the ANC or the national democratic revolution should not be considered a suitable qualification.”
Hoffman continues, “This is why both the EFF and the DA are dissatisfied, as many candidates seem unfit or too closely aligned with the ANC or the executive branch of governance.”
Regarding Gqaleka, he believes her entire career has been focused on executive roles. “She started as a regular prosecutor and later served as a legal advisor to various ministers in ANC cabinets at the national level. She then joined the office of the public protector, where she became the deputy and is now the acting Public Protector. If she gathers the required 60 percent of votes, she will technically qualify for the position,” he said.
Moreover, Hoffman acknowledges that Gqaleka’s appointment could provide “continuity for the country”, as she is already familiar with the office. However, he also expressed concerns about her “executive-mindedness and potential bias towards the ANC. “
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