“Postpone the appointment,” suggests political analyst after Gcaleka’s name put forward for Public Protector

Political Analyst, Professor Susan Booysen, has emphasised the need for someone of good character and who is beyond reproach to occupy the office of the Public Protector.

She was reacting to the news that advocate Kholeka Gcaleka could be South Africa’s next Public Protector, pending the National Assembly and the President’s approval.

Gcaleka will need 60% of MPs to vote in her favour before her name is sent to the President for a nod.

She’s been under fire from some South Africans for clearing the President of any wrongdoing in her office’s probe into the Phala Phala scandal.

The scholar believes it may prove necessary to postpone the appointment, in light of the controversy.

Booysen has also added her voice to calls for the process of appointing South Africa’s next Public Protector to be improved.

She says Gcaleka’s image has been tainted by the baggage of her decision to clear President Cyril Ramaphosa on his Phala Phala saga.

Booysen agrees with some political players who believe that it would have been prudent for Gcaleka not to have agreed to act as the Public Protector knowing that she would one day run for the position.

Gcaleka began acting in the position last year after Ramaphosa suspended advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane, pending the outcome of a probe into her fitness to hold office. Mkhwebane’s term of office ends in October.  

The DA, Freedom Front Plus and the EFF did not support Gcaleka’s nomination.

She was one of the eight candidates interviewed for the post last week.

Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson, Cyril Xaba, weighs in.

Opinion is also divided on social media over the recommendation.

Adv Kholeka Gcaleka has proven that she can work under pressure and is not easily intimidated by bullies in suits and Gucci overalls. She will do an excellent job as Public Protector. Black Excellence! pic.twitter.com/kZ3A3iRjYM

— Thohoyandou 🇿🇦 🇧🇼 (@AlbaMokopane) August 29, 2023

MAJOR BREAKING:

South Africa’s darling, the brilliant Adv Kholeka Gcaleka has been nominated as the only candidate to be South Africa’s next Public Protector. Her name will be submitted to Parliament were she will need a 60% vote. Adv Gcaleka, black excellence at its best. pic.twitter.com/zXipWDxRal

— Goolam (@goolammv) August 29, 2023

The ANC has voted to nominate Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka for the position of Public Protector but she could not answer basic questions of law in her interview. Is she being rewarded ? https://t.co/Y00IIzo0Y6

— Africa Research Desk (@MightiJamie) August 29, 2023

Parliament's ad-hoc committee has recommended Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka as South Africa's next Public Protector. Why did they waste time with interviews when they knew that this fraud Kholeka Gcaleka would be nominated as Public Protector. pic.twitter.com/pBpf8Yu5li

— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) August 29, 2023