19 October 2023

The ANC Parliamentary Caucus welcomes the recommendation by the National Assembly to the President to appoint Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka as the new Public Protector with the required 60% vote threshold. The vote in the NA follows her nomination by an ad hoc committee set up for this purpose, which found her to be the most suitable candidate to take up the responsibility of Public Protector.

Indeed, Advocate Gcaleka has demonstrated the qualities and capabilities to restore the dignity of the Office, uphold its independence and strengthen its ability to contribute constructively to our developing constitutional democracy.

We want to extend our gratitude to the ad hoc committee for their sterling work overseeing the interviews and recommendations of the best candidate. The Committee performed its work in a fair, transparent and professional manner.

The ANC Caucus condemns the unfortunate and unbecoming conduct of the members of some political parties. The behaviour of the Leader of the Opposition, Hon John Steenhuizen, whose abhorrent remarks directed at the Speaker were unparliamentary and bordered on being defamatory. The ANC Caucus commends the Speaker for remaining calm under the barrage of verbal abuse by the arrogant DA leader.

We will write to the Powers and Privileges Committee to file complaints against two DA members, Mr Steenhuizen and Ms Glynnis Breytenbach. Ms Breytenbach disgracefully attempted to dent Advocate Gcaleka’s integrity. We regard her

unfounded and derogatory remarks against Advocate Gcaleka as racist and a manifestation of white privilege. We will also file a formal complaint against the EFF member, Mr Mzwanele Manyi, who brought unsubstantiated allegations and hurled insults at ANC members labelling all of them as elected thugs.

Issued by the Office of the Chief Whip

For enquiries, please contact:

Luthando Nogcinisa
Office of the Chief Whip
076 385 1440