The Parliamentary Caucus of the African National Congress notes that the Ad Hoc Committee on Public Protector will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, 18 August, to begin with the task of considering candidates for the position of the Public Protector.

The Ad Hoc Committee will, upon the conclusion of this marathon process, which includes inviting nominations and conducting interviews, recommend a suitable candidate to the National Assembly for consideration.

The President of the Republic will, on the recommendation of the National Assembly, appoint the Public Protector for a non-renewable period of seven years.

In deciding the suitable person for the important position of the Public Protector of the Republic, our Members of Parliament in the Ad Hoc Committee shall support a fit and proper South African man or woman who meets the criteria outlined in the Public Protector Act 23 of 1994.

Such a person, according to the Act, must, amongst other qualifications, be a judge of a High Court; or be an admitted advocate or attorney who has, for a cumulative period of 10 years after having been so admitted, practiced as an advocate or attorney.

Caucus has selected the following ANC Members of Parliament for the membership of the Ad Hoc Committee: Advocate Michael Masutha, Dorothy Ramodibe, Jonas Sibanyoni, Ishmael Malale, Adv. Johannes De Lange, Ayanda Dlodlo, Thandi Sunduza, and Sharon Makhubela-Mashele.

The Office of the ANC Chief Whip wishes to thank the outgoing Public Protector, Advocate Lawrence Mushwana, for the sterling service rendered and wish him well for the future.