Gcaleka poised for PP office
THE ANC managed to raise a majority in the National Assembly yesterday to push through the recommendation of advocate Kholeka Gcaleka to become the next deputy public protector.
Gcaleka’s recommendation received 203 votes, paving the way for her recommendation to take over the position to be vacated by incumbent Kevin Malunga next week.
The majority vote for Gcaleka means that her recommendation will now be referred to President Cyril Ramaphosa for approval.
In his report, justice and correctional services portfolio chairperson Bulelani Magwanishe said the committee received 29 nominations, but declined three of the nominations.
Magwanishe said out of the remaining 26 candidates, six did not meet the requirements for the position.
He also said eight candidates were shortlisted, but one withdrew from the interviews.
“On November 26, the committee deliberated on the seven candidates that it interviewed and agreed to nominate advocate Kholeka Gcaleka for appointment as deputy public protector,” Magwanishe said.
During the debate yesterday, the DA’s Glynis Breytenbach acknowledged that Gcaleka met the appointment criteria and has cumulative experience in administering justice and public administration.
However, Breytenbach said the former prosecutor was in 2010 quoted as showing no concern over then national director of public prosecutions Menzi Simelane’s plan to close down the special commercial crime unit. She also said she had supported Simelane, who Breytenbach blamed for destroying the National Prosecuting Authority.
Breytenbach charged that Gcaleka had also worked as a legal adviser for disgraced former minister Malusi Gigaba, despite the court having found him to have lied under oath.
She also noted that she had failed to disclose her prior links to the ANC Youth League while she was a civil servant.
The EFF’s Luvuyo Tafeni said the ANC’s imposed choice made a mockery of the important role the Office of the Public Protector played.
The IFP’s Themba Msimang meanwhile said Gcaleka appeared to meet the legal background and skills, but notice should be taken of her past associations.
ACDP’s Steve Swart said Gcaleka had performed well during the interview, but that it should be remembered that Busisiwe Mkhwebane also had a good interview for her current position. “We have learnt a hard lesson to be far more cautious. Once beaten, twice shy,” he said, and that there were far better candidates than Gcaleka.
UDM’s Nqabayomzi Kwankwa said while Gcaleka ticked all the requirements for the job, the party would not support the recommendation “at this point in time”.
The NFP’s Shaik-Emam said no court of law had found Gcaleka guilty of any wrongdoing.
The ANC’s Hishaam Mohamed backed Gcaleka, saying she had performed exceptionally well during the interviews and had inspired the confidence of the majority of the portfolio committee members.
Mohamed also said Gcaleka no doubt was independent and had the ability to perform her function without fear, favour or prejudice.
He took a swipe at the DA and EFF for casting aspersions against Gcaleka, saying they were not only unfair, but had no factual and legal basis.