Freddy Mavunda/Business Day
Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka's nomination as the next Public Protector by a Cape Town parliamentary committee has sparked division within the group over her suitability. The committee convened to assess eight candidates interviewed for the position over two days. While Gcaleka enjoys support from most members, several opposition parties have opposed her nomination.
These parties have cited concerns about Gcaleka's impartiality and experience, and they have also criticized her for not openly discussing her prior government roles, including her time at the National Prosecuting Authority and her role as a special advisor to former minister Malusi Gigaba.
Among the parties objecting to Gcaleka's nomination are the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The DA's Werner Horn noted Gcaleka's evasiveness when questioned about her past roles, while the EFF's Omphile Maotwe accused her of dishonesty in a past investigation involving President Ramaphosa. Both parties expressed reservations about entrusting her with the Office of the Public Protector.
Committee chairperson Cyril Xaba affirmed Gcaleka as the preferred candidate for submission to the National Assembly. The committee's report will also acknowledge objections from the DA and the EFF regarding Gcaleka's nomination.
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