Mkhwebane selected as final Public Protector candidate

The State Security analyst was the remaining candidate out of the five that were short-listed - including judges Siraj Desai and Sharise Weiner, advocate Muvhango Lukhaimane, and Professor Bongani Majola.

The committee sat today for a process of elimination to go through the five candidates who had been short-listed.

All parties represented in the committee backed Mkhwebane with the exception of the DA, which reserved its support.

DA MP Phumzile van Damme said: "I am quite encouraged by the fact that a young female did so well in an interview, but two points make me very uncomfortable and that is that she doesn't have the same experience as the other candidates and the fact that she works for the State Security Agency."

EFF committee members, Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu also endorsed Mkhwebane's recommendation - but not without Malema first bringing up reports of her being President Jacob Zuma's preferred candidate, which he took with a pinch of salt.

Mkhwebane's nomination will be presented to the National Assembly.

MPs will vote on her nomination - with President Jacob Zuma having the final say. 

She needs to be endorsed by 60% of MPs.

Candidates faced a gruelling interview process.

WATCH: Highlights from Public Protector interviews

A marathon interview session was held on 11 August - during which 14 shortlisted candidates faced tough questions from the committee.

Deputy public protector Kevin Malunga was among the candidates - however he did not make it pass the interview stage. 

The appointment is expected to be announced at the end of the month.

Madonsela's seven-year term ends in October.

WATCH: Thuli Madonsela's expectations of successor