Parliament extends deadline to nominate Public Protector’s panel of experts

THE National Assembly speaker Thandi Modise has extended deadline for nominees to serve on the independent panel of experts, which will conduct a prima facie assessment of the Democratic Alliance’s motion proposing for the removal from office of Public Protector advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane.

The deadline has been extended to Wednesday February 12 2020, after requests to allow political parties more time to submit nominees.

“Once the Speaker has received these names she will apply her mind and establish the panel,” said Parliament’s spokesperson Moloko Mothapo.

Mkhwebane has challenged the rules, calling them unlawful and unconstitutional.

“The National Assembly Rules about removing Chapter 9 office bearers specify that the three-person panel must be fit and proper South Africans who collectively have the necessary legal and other competencies to conduct the assessment. A judge may be appointed but the Speaker must make such an appointment in consultation with the Chief Justice.”

One