Call for integrity, transparency, accountability

AS THE hunt for South Africa’s next public protector reaches a crucial stage, integrity, transparency and accountability have been identified as the three most important values that a prospective candidate should possess.

Today the ad hoc committee on the appointment of the public protector was due to interview the 14 shortlisted candidates to replace Thuli Madonsela.

Late last year, Corruption Watch, a non-profit civil society organisation, wanted to understand the type of public protector South Africans would like to have. By July this year, it had already spoken to 1 221 people about the qualities they wanted. Some they spoke to were staff in the Office of the Public Protector, MPs and the general public.

According to Corruption Watch, many of those surveyed put integrity, transparency and accountability as values that a public protector should have. On the other hand, 66% indicated that the ideal candidate should either be a judge or an admitted advocate or attorney who had practised for at least 10 years.

Others skills the respondents identified were leadership and analytical and communication skills.

Madonsela holds a BA Law and an LLB.

Full list of candidates: Judge Sharise Weiner, Judge Siraj Desai, advocate Kevin Malunga, advocate Nonkosi Cetywayo, advocate Mhlaliseni Mthembu, advocate Madibeng Mokoditwa, advocate Mamiki Goodman, Adjunct Professor Narnia Bohler-Muller, Professor Bongani Majola, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, Jill Oliphant, Muvhango Lukhaimane, Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh and Willie Hofmeyr.

botho.molosankwe@inl.co.za