Despite opposition from DA and EFF, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka is a shoo-in as new public protector

3-minute read
07 September 2023 | 09:21 CAT

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Acting Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has been endorsed as the replacement for suspended Public Protector Busisiswe Mkhwebane, despite vehement objections from both the DA and the EFF. The FF Plus has also raised objections, but the ANC and IFP supported her appointment.

Gcaleka will take over the non-renewable term from mid-October. Opposition parties were scathing in reacting to her report to President Cyril Ramaphosa following the Phala Phala saga.

Motivating for Gcaleka, ANC MP Manketsi Tlhape said the deputy public protector had an excellent interview, prepared sufficiently and demonstrated a clear vision for the office of the public protector within the confines of its mandate.

She said Gcaleka had a wealth of experience in legal practice and provided a transparent approach to improving accessibility for the office.

However, the DA, EFF and FF Plus spoke of lingering issues around her impartiality.

For the DA’s Glynnis Breytenbach, Gcaleka is “wholly unsuitable for the post”.

“She has a burden of baggage that can’t be dealt with. I don’t think she answered questions entirely frankly, and I don’t think she has demonstrated in her position as acting public protector that she has sufficient experience to take over the top job, so we will not be supporting her,” said Breytenbach.

The FF Plus also spoke about the cloud over Gcaleka and said there was a question mark regarding her impartiality and decision-making, and to appoint her would be to the detriment of the office.

Gcaleka’s name will require 60% support from the members of the National Assembly before it can be sent to Ramaphosa for appointment.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Annisa Essack.

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