Council concerned by Public Protector shortlist

The Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (Casac) expressed concern following the announcement of the shortlist of candidates of the Public Protector list. 

Deputy Public Protector Kevin Malunga and Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions for the Nation Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Willie Hofmeyr did not make the cut for candidates to replace Thuli Madonsela. 

The parliamentary Ad Hoc committee tasked with finding a successor to Madonsela shortlisted five candidates on yesterday afternoon.

On the shortlist are Siraj Desai, Sharise Weiner, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, Muvhango Lukhaimane and Bongani Majola.

Casac's Lawson Naidoo said they are concerned that the committee failed to go through a rigorous process of evaluating the candidates.

"The only discussion at the committee meeting yesterday was in relation to Judge Desai. The other four candidates were shortlisted on the nod as it were. I think it is surprising that two particularly experienced candidates, Malunga and Hofmeyr, have not been shortlisted, because people of that experience one would expect to make it into the last five at the very least, even if they don't get the job at the end of the day," he said.