Cape Town - An Ad Hoc Committee, set up by Parliament to nominate a person for the appointment of a new Public Protector, will meet on Tuesday to begin the process of shortlisting candidates.
Committee Chairperson Advocate Tshililo Masutha said after extending the deadline for nominations to last Friday, they had received a pool of potential candidates.
Advocate Masutha said the committee would short-list candidates, conduct interviews and submit the name of the nominee to the National Assembly for recommendation to the President.
In accordance with the provisions of the Public Protector Act and the Constitution, the National Assembly may recommend a person for appointment by the President for a non-renewable term of seven years.
The nominee must be a South African citizen who is fit to hold the office of the public protector and must comply with the requirements of the Public Protector Act.
The person must be suitably qualified and experienced with a reputation for honesty and integrity.
He or she must also be impartial and must exercise his or her powers without fear, favour or prejudice thus preserving the Office's independence.
Current Public Protector, Lawrence Mushwana's seven-year term will come to an end on October 15 and is not renewable.
He is well known for his role as Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.-
