The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services on Wednesday shortlisted eight candidates to be interviewed for the position of Deputy Public Protector (DPP) after the position became vacant late last year when the then DPP advocate Kholeka Gcaleka was appointed as Public Protector (PP).

Committee chairperson Bulelani Magwanishe explained that the committee received 46 applications and nominations, and two of those withdrew shortly afterwards.

The eight remaining candidates will undergo a screening process.

The committee agreed that at least 50% of the candidates to be interviewed must be female.

The interviews are expected to take place on March 12, in Parliament, and the annual salary for the position is R1 924 542.

Magwanishe explained that the DPP is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the National Assembly for a term period determined at the President’s discretion, but not exceeding seven years.

The DPP can be reappointed for one additional term.

The person appointed as DPP must be a South African citizen who is admitted as an advocate or an attorney and have at least 10 years of varying legal experience, as set out by the committee.

“The committee was reminded that if the PP is, for any reason, unable to perform the functions of his or her office, or while the appointment of a person to the office of PP is pending, the DPP shall perform the functions of the PP. The DPP shall also assist the PP (subject to his or her directions and control), in the performance of the PP’s functions under the Act and the Constitution,” he said.

A list of all the received nominations and applications was made available on Parliament’s website for public comment on candidates’ suitability.