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ANC reaffirms support for Mkhwebane as new Public Protector

Xinhua, September 6, 2016 Adjust font size:

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) said on Tuesday that its principled support for Advocate Busisiwe Joyce Mkhwebane as Public Protector "is based on her excellent credentials which meet all the constitutional and legal requirements for the position".

The ANC in Parliament will on Wednesday vote in support of the appointment of Mkhwebane to the position of the Public Protector when the matter is tabled before the sitting of the National Assembly for a decision.

The parliamentary ad hoc committee established to nominate a person for appointment as Public Protector has proposed Mkhwebane to succeed the current incumbent Thuli Madonsela, whose seven-year non-renewable term expires on October 2016.

Being independent of the government, the Public Protector is tasked with the investigation of misconduct in any state affairs and all spheres of government including that of public administration in the country.

Mkhwebane "is a fit and proper person as prescribed by the law, a brilliant legal mind, a highly experienced manager and has displayed remarkable depth and understanding of the issues pertaining to the office of the Public Protector during the ad hoc committee interviews", the Office of the ANC Chief Whip said in a statement.

The ANC went into the parliamentary selection process with no preferred candidate(s), with an open mind and ready to afford every candidate a fair and equal opportunity to prove to the nation their fitness for the office, the statement said.

"We worked cooperatively with all the parties, guarded against narrow political interest and uncompromisingly endeavoured for a fit and proper person who will inspire the confidence and trust of the people," said Moloto Mothapo, spokesperson for the ANC Chief Whip Office.

However, the opposition Democratic Alliance is opposed to Mkhwebane's candidacy, alleging that she is controlled by the ANC. Endit