Parliament, Wednesday, 18 March 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development has resolved to seek a formal legal opinion from the Parliamentary Legal Services regarding the possible re-interviewing of all eight shortlisted candidates for the position of Small Enterprise Ombud.
This decision follows the committee’s meeting held today, convened to reconsider its previous report on the appointment of the Small Enterprise Ombudsperson. The report had initially identified four candidates as meeting the requirements for appointment and it was subsequently referred back to the committee by the National Assembly for further re-consideration.
Considering the concerns raised during declarations on the report in the National Assembly, the committee agreed that obtaining legal clarity is necessary to ensure that any further steps taken are fully compliant with the Constitution, applicable legislation and principles of administrative fairness.
The committee is specifically seeking guidance on whether it is procedurally and legally permissible to reopen the interview process and afford all eight shortlisted candidates an equal opportunity to be reassessed.
The committee emphasised that this step is part of its ongoing commitment to uphold a transparent, fair and credible appointment process for the Office of the Small Enterprise Ombud, as envisaged in the National Small Enterprise Amendment Act (Act No. 21 of 2024).
Upon receipt and consideration of the legal opinion, the committee will determine the appropriate way forward and communicate further developments in due course.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, MS MASEFAKO CLARAH DIKGALE.
For media inquiries or to request an interview with the Chairperson, please contact Media Officer:
Justice Molafo (Mr)
Cell: 081 424 7481
Email: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za
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