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Who should be SA’s next Public Protector? You’ll soon have your say online

For a first in South African history, you’ll be able to publicly voice your opinion on who our next Public Protector should be.

Advocate Thuli Madonsela’s term as Public Protector comes to an end in October this year. The decision on appointing her successor lies in the hands of President Jacob Zuma, but Corruption Watch hopes it can get the voices of the public heard.

The anti-corruption non-profit organisation is ramping up its Bua Mzansi campaign, an online crowd-voting and awareness campaign launched in February to highlight the upcoming appointment of a new Public Protector, and allow citizens to vote for their choice in an attempt to influence the president’s final decision.

Traditionally, a Public Protector is appointed every seven years by the president of South Africa on the recommendation of the National Assembly, in terms of Chapter Nine of the Constitution.

About six months before the new Public Protector appointment is to be made, parliament issues a notice calling for applications for the post of public protector.

The nominated candidates are shortlisted and public interviews of the applicants begin. The full National Assembly then votes on a recommended candidate, who must get the support of a 60% majority.

The Bua Mzansi aims to allow the public to have its say in creating persona or ideal model of a public protector based on public opinion and use to guide the National Assembly’s voting.

One must have substantial experience in parliament or law to be considered for voting. Specifically, they must fit any of the following criteria:

  • Be a South African citizen
  • Is a Judge of a High Court or is admitted as an advocate or an attorney and has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years after having been so admitted, practised as an advocate or an attorney; or
  • Is qualified to be admitted as an advocate or an attorney and has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years after having so qualified, lectured in law at a university; or
  • Has specialised knowledge of or experience, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years, in the administration of justice, public administration or public finance; or
  • Has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years, been a member of parliament; or
  • Has acquired any combination of experience mentioned above, for a cumulative period of 10 years

“In order for the public to make an informed decision they would need to be vigilant of the activities taking place in Parliament regarding the appointment,” Kavisha Pillay, Bua Mzansi Project Manager told htxt.africa. “We will be live streaming the candidate interviews and provide daily snapshots of the parliamentary proceedings.”

“We will also be vetting the candidates to ensure that they are fit and proper. All information around the campaign will be communicated through national and community media platforms to ensure that the general public is aware of the proceedings and thus can make an informed decision when choosing the next PP,” Pillay added.

Corruption Watch is also embarking on a nationwide education drive to highlight the importance of the office of the Public Protector and will also be embarking on roadshows in July to remote communities to highlight the importance of the campaign and include their voices.

Info kiosks at these roadshows will be fitted with electronic voting booths with mobile tablet devices where the public will be able to cast their votes.

The date for voting to begin will be dictated by parliamentary processes. Final votes will be put forward to parliament and the process will then be left to it and the president’s official proceedings.

Keep an eye out on the Corruption Watch website on when the campaign will begin its tour and voting process.

[Image – Corruption Watch]

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