"Judge Desai can't handle pressure of Public Protector role": Floyd Shivambu
As interviews for a new Public Protector continue, the abilities of some candidates has already come into question.
EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu doesn't believe that Judge Siraj Desai can handle the pressures that come with being Public Protector.
"I don't think (he's) got the temperament that is stable that could handle the pressure if you will get criticized later on, if you're ever appointed a Public Protector. Even now.... a member of parliament points to the rape allegation that happens on you and you interject him. I expected far much better from a judge."
Desai - who's a Western Cape High Court Judge - is one of 14 candidates short-listed for the position, all of whomare being being interviewed today by an Ad Hoc Committee in Parliament.
The inclusion of the Judge's name on the list of candidates came under scrutiny in light of rape allegations dating back to 2004 - a charge he was later acquitted of when the charges were withdrawn.
Desai apologised for his reaction to the question posed by the DA's Werner Horn on the rape accusation...
"I agree that I should not have reacted strongly to the question asked (to) me. But when you're facing this accusation day in day out, then you know there's nothing you can really do about it; that you do react. ANd if you found that offensive I agree with you. And if I must apologize to the gentleman in the blue suit, I will do that."
Former Deputy Public Protector and current Manager at the National Gambling Board Mamiki Goodman has also been grilled by some members of the committee.
She was asked by DA MP Phumzile Van Damme about her current suspension at the gambling board following an altercation - which Goodman confirmed.
The committee has also heard about Goodman accusing former Public Protector - Lawrence Mushwana of sexual harassment and another run-in with current Public Protector - Thuli Madonsela.