Process begins to hear Public Protector removal matter

National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise is in the process of appointing three people to serve on a panel to determine whether there is a case to be made for Busisiwe Mkwhebane's removal as Public Protector, reports News24. ‘Letters of invitation to serve on the panel have been sent to the three persons. In addition to indicating their availability to serve on the panel, they have also been asked to indicate if they believe the process over which they will preside is possible within the current Covid-19 restrictions,’ parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said. ‘If all the responses are positive, Ms Modise will make the appointments. If all the responses are not positive then, depending on the issues raised, she will either hold over the appointments until a later date or take steps aimed at the appointment of other person(s) to the panel. The names of the panel members will be announced once the process of appointment is concluded.’ The report notes the rules specify that the panel must comprise three fit and proper South African citizens who, collectively, possess the necessary legal and other competencies and experience to conduct the preliminary assessment. If a judge is appointed to the panel, the Speaker must make such an appointment in consultation with the Chief Justice.