The African National Congress (ANC) on Friday highly recommended that President Cyril Ramaphosa proceed with the appointment of Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka as the next Public Protector.

Members of the National Assembly held a vote on Gcaleka’s appointment on Thursday, in which 244 members voted in favour of her appointment as South Africa’s next Public Protector.

The ANC expressed its strong support for Gcaleka saying her experience and dedication would serve the nation well.

The ANC noted that the Public Protector's Office was an important Chapter 9 institution with the great responsibility of ensuring the protection of rights and interests of all citizens, especially the poor and powerless.

“It is of utmost importance that one assigned the responsibility to serve as Public Protector be a person of integrity with understanding and knowledge of the law and its interpretation,” the ANC said in a statement.

The party added that, collectively, Chapter 9 institutions served as safeguards of the principles and values enshrined in the Constitution.

The ANC highlighted that Gcaleka's strong performance during the interview process reflected an ability to communicate effectively, demonstrated knowledge of the responsibilities associated with the role, and capacity to articulate an inspiring vision and plans for the position.

“In the period of acting as Public Protector, Advocate Gcaleka demonstrated skill and experience with capabilities to fulfil assigned duties without any fear, favour or political alignment,” the ANC said.

Meanwhile, ActionSA spokesperson Lerato Ngobeni highlighted that while ActionSA believes that Gcaleka is qualified to perform the functions demanded by the office, the party is, however, concerned that she might be partisan considering her “whitewashing of the Phala Phala scandal” just a few months ago.

ActionSA urged Gcaleka to not fall into the “same quicksand” that her predecessor Busisiwe Mkhwebane succumbed to in her seven-year reign at the Chapter 9 institution.

“Nevertheless, we look forward to her discharging her mandate with distinction and ensuring that the office fulfils its duty of being the voice of the people and acting with autonomy,” said Ngobeni.