The Democratic Alliance (DA) stated on Tuesday that it will not be supporting any of the shortlisted candidates for the appointment of Public Protector (PP), and wants Parliament to reopen the application process.

Last week the Ad Hoc Committee interviewed the eight shortlisted candidates – advocates Kholeka Gcaleka, Tseliso Thipanyane, Kwena Tommy Ntsewa, Oliver Josie, Lynn Marais and Muvhango Lukhaimane, magistrate Johannah Ledwaba and Professor Boitumelo Mmusinyane.

The committee is to report back to the National Assembly by August 31. The term of the current PP comes to an end in October.

The DA further strongly recommends that the post be readvertised to attract “more suitable candidates”.

DA Shadow Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development advocate Glynnis Breytenbach explained that the position was too important to settle for an “unsatisfactory candidate for the second time in a row”.

She highlighted that the PP often stands as a last line of defence against State capture and corruption, and it is, therefore, of utmost importance that the newly appointed PP restores respect and credibility to the office, and possesses integrity that is beyond reproach.

Breytenbach noted that the DA did not nominate any of the applicants and nominees for the shortlist, simply because they were all unknown players, none of whom stood out as a suitable candidate.

“It is unfortunate that the pool of applicants and nominees was disappointing when compared with the pool available during the last interviews – however, this may serve as an indication of the damage which has been done to the institution under Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s term,” she added.

She added that all candidates showed an alarming lack of basic knowledge of the legal framework in which they would be required to operate.

“We further hold the view that an appointment should not be made simply due to a lack of any better alternatives,” she said.

Breytenbach said the current acting PP Gcaleka had an obvious advantage in her position, however, stating that Gcaleka was unable to shake off the baggage from her past and had not demonstrated the dynamism required during her acting stint.