Two out of running for CGE

PARLIAMENT’S ad hoc committee tasked with filling vacancies in the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) says it will not consider applications of beleaguered former commissioners.

The committee met yesterday to deal with preliminary matters before shortlisting their preferred candidates for the vacancies from the 85 applications received.

Committee chairperson Nonhlanhla Ncube-Ndaba said: “When your term ends, you must go. You can’t ask for an extension in a new term. When I checked the list last week, I saw that there were commissioners who have reapplied.

“They are taking chances and it is wrong when people are supposed to give strategic leadership to an institution. The two commissioners will not be considered for reappointment.”

The two candidates, Wallace Mgoqi and Lulama Nare, have, according to Parliament’s legal service, already served two terms, in accordance with the legislation regulating the commission.

Parliament also heard that Nare had applied for a third term at the CGE, despite its governing act stipulating commissioners may only serve two terms.

It also heard that Nare had written to the speaker of Parliament, President Cyril Ramaphosa and the public protector to retain her position.

However, parliamentary legal adviser Herman Tembe said: “For the two commissioners, there was an error in the appointment of Lulama Nare, in the presidential minutes, pointing out that her term didn’t end on December 31, 2018.

“She has since written to the president, the speaker of Parliament and the public protector on this matter. But the matter has been addressed,” said Tembe.