Parliament, Wednesday, 30 October 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development today shortlisted eight candidates for the position of Deputy Public Protector and eight candidates for one vacancy on the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Xola Nqola, said the position of the Deputy Public Protector became vacant late last year when the then Deputy Public Protector was appointed as Public Protector. He said the committee received 27 applications and nominations and shortlisted eight candidates for interviews.
The candidates are Dr Chana Pilane-Majake, Adv Dinkie Portia Dube, Ms Ponatshego Mogaladi, Adv Shadrack Tebeile, Adv Siphokazi Moleshe, Mr Themba Mthethwa, Adv Tommy Bunguzana and Adv Tseliso Thipanyane. Mr Nqola said interviews with these candidates will be conducted on 20 November 2024.
A candidate recommended for appointment as Deputy Public Protector must be a South African citizen, who is a fit and proper person to hold such office, and who:
- is admitted as an advocate or an attorney and has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years after having been so admitted, practiced as an advocate or an attorney; or
- is qualified to be admitted as an advocate or an attorney and has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years after having so qualified, lectured in law at a university; or
- has specialised knowledge of or experience in, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years, the administration of justice, public administration or public finance; or
- has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years, been a member of Parliament; or
- has acquired any combination of experience mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (d), for a cumulative period of at least 10 years.
Regarding the SAHRC vacancy, the committee received 46 applications and nominations and shortlisted eight candidates to be interviewed for the vacancy, said Mr Nqola. The position became vacant after then Deputy Chairperson of SAHRC, Ms Fatima Cohen resigned.
The candidates to be interviewed are Adv Andre Gaum, Mr Chumani Sali, Adv Funeka Thema, Mr Grant Son, Dr Jeanine Nothnagel, Ms Karabo Mohale, Dr Manketsi Tlhape and Mr Vernon Seymour. Interviews with these candidates will be conducted on 19 November 2024.
The candidates must:
- Be a South African citizen and a fit and proper person to hold the office of the Commission, as contemplated in section 193(1) of the Constitution;
- Have a record of commitment to the promotion of respect for human rights and a culture of human rights;
- Be a person with applicable knowledge or experience with regard to matters connected with the objects of the Commission; and
- Comply with any other requirements prescribed by national legislation, in particular section 5 (b) of the South African Human Rights Commission Act, 2013.
Mr Nqola said all candidates will be subjected to suitability screening and verification of qualifications.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR XOLA NQOLA.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Tel: 021 403 8437
Cell: 081 703 9542
E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za
Arrange a tour