The chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee Cyril Xaba on Monday invited South Africans to nominate suitable candidates as the new Public Protector.

The position is currently filled by acting Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka following the dismissal of Busisiwe Mkhwebane.

The nominations and applications are open until  July 7, 2023.

Xaba outlined that the Public Protector is a State institution supporting constitutional democracy, established in terms of Chapter 9 of the Constitution.

The person who will fill the position is expected to investigate any conduct in State affairs, or in the public administration, in any sphere of government, that is alleged or suspected to be improper or to result in any impropriety or prejudice, and to report on that conduct and take appropriate remedial action.

Amongst the recommendations, the Public Protector must be a South African citizen who is a fit and proper person to hold such office, and who is a Judge of a High Court; or is admitted as an advocate or an attorney and has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years after having been so admitted, practiced as an advocate or an attorney.

Xaba says as part of the selection process, all shortlisted candidates will be subjected to processes such as suitability screening, reference checks and qualifications verification, as well as be expected to complete a questionnaire.