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Cape Town – Public protector committee chairperson Makhosi Khoza is confident the candidate they selected to replace Thuli Madonsela will get the National Assembly’s nod.
The ad hoc committee on Wednesday chose advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane to replace Madonsela when her seven-year term ends in October.
Khoza said she was sure Mkhwebane would get 60% of votes in the National Assembly, despite the DA’s reservations. She said it was the DA’s right to reserve its views on the candidate.
“We are a multi-party committee, so it’s within their rights not to agree. But they were the only party that was not part of the whole.”
Following an exhaustive three-month-long process, the committee settled on Mkhwebane after whittling down the candidate list from over 60 to 14 and finally five.
Once Mkhwebane received the National Assembly’s nod, it would be up to President Jacob Zuma to give final approval.
Khoza was pleased the committee members concluded the process in a civil manner and were able to put aside their political differences for the good of the country.
Now they intend to ensure Mkhwebane is put into the job quickly so Madonsela could hand over to her.
“I think we are going to try and put pressure on those that support the president to make sure the decision is fast-tracked so that the outgoing public protector can have the opportunity [to meet] with the new one,” Khoza said.
‘Process was transparent’
Corruption Watch’s David Lewis said the process had been quite transparent.
It seemed clear Mkhwebane would get the job unless there was some revolt from the ANC, which he did not see happening.
“I am pleased with the way it worked out. I think she had an excellent interview. I think she is an impressive person.”
He liked her calm demeanour and willingness to engage with all the questions asked of her during her interview with the committee.
Lewis had nothing but praise for Khoza and said she ran the process with distinction and grace.
