Who Will be South Africa's Next Public Protector?

As Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane faces charges of misconduct and incompetence, South Africa's parliament has moved to list multiple candidates eligible to replace her as Public Protector.

The eight shortlisted candidates are: Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, Advocate Oliver Josie, Magistrate Johannah Ledwaba, Muvhango Lukhaimane, Advocate Lynn Marais, Professor Boitumelo Mmusinyane, Advocate Tommy Ntsewa and Advocate Tseliso Thipanyane, GroundUp reports.

Mkhwebane was suspended from her position for ignoring multiple court findings. Members of the inquiry into Mkhwebane's fitness to hold office also found that she "victimised" officials during her tenure.

Meanwhile, The Daily Maverick reported that the Constitutional Court found against Mkhwebane in a consolidated judgment on three cases involving her suspension. The court also slapped Mkhwebane with a personal costs order in relation to the case she brought before the court, meaning she will pay a portion of the overall court fees in her personal capacity.

The judgment emanates from cases heard in the Western Cape division of the High Court which were appealed against by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Democratic Alliance and by Mkhwebane herself. The Speaker of Parliament was also cited in the initial case, along with the chairperson of the Section 194 committee, Richard Dyantyi, and all the political parties represented in the National Assembly.

Mkhwebane's term is due to end in October. The Public Protector is an independent institution established in terms of section 181 of the Constitution, with a mandate to support and strengthen constitutional democracy. A supreme administrative oversight body, the Public Protector has the power to investigate, report on and remedy improper conduct in all state affairs