Adv Gcaleka ascend to Public Protector’s post

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Advocate Nompilo Kholeka Gcaleka as Public Protector with effect from Wednesday, November 1, 2023. 

The presidency confirmed that the appointment with a non-renewable term of seven years was made in terms of section 193(4) of Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and on the recommendation of the National Assembly.

Among candidates who were vying for the post included Adv Tseliso Thipanyane, Adv Kwena Tommy Ntsewa, Adv Oliver Josie and Adv Lynn Marais, Muvhango Lukhaimane, Johannah Ledwaba and Prof Boitumelo Mmusinyane.

Gcaleka whose imminent appointment was marred by controversy surrounding Phalaphala saga saw her amass 244 votes in the national assembly. However, no members of the DA, EFF, UDM, ATM, COPE or PAC took part in the vote.

She takes over from Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane who was impeached following Section 194 committee decision.

Mkhwebane, who has since joined the EFF was the first head of a Chapter 9 institution to be removed from office on the grounds of misconduct and incompetence as established by evidence before the committee.

“The President wishes Advocate Gcaleka well in her position and trust that she will serve the people of South Africa with honor and dedication,” Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to presidency said. 

Following the announcement, tweeps reacted to the appointment with some dubbing her the ‘President Protector’.

“He is now well protected,” Build One SA leader Mmusi Maimane tweeted.

He is now well protected.

— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) November 1, 2023

Meanwhile, Action SA have urged Adv Gcaleka not to fall into the same quicksand that her predecessor succumb to in her 7-year reign at the Chapter 9.

Party president Herman Mashaba said; “The Office of the Public Protector was established as an independent body that ensures that the rule of law is maintained and that those guilty of abusing resources and state power are held accountable.

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“Our country is in desperate need of a public protector who would affirm the independence the office once bore, restore its integrity, and put an end to the corruption that has characterised our dear South Africa.

“We hope that the posture of her tenure as Public Protector will be of zero tolerance for corruption and that her office will be restored as a symbol of our democracy and an institution that handles all misconduct and corruption accordingly.”