APA-Pretoria (South Africa) President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed lawyer Nompilo Kholeka Gcaleka as South Africa’s new Public Protector or Ombudsman for a non-renewable term of seven years with effect from November 1, his office has announced.
The Public Protector previously served as Deputy Public Protector and became Acting Public Protector on 9 June 2022 following the suspension of Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane for alleged misconduct.
“The president wishes Advocate Gcaleka well in her position and trust that she will serve the people of South Africa with honor and dedication,” the presidency said in a statement late Wednesday.
Gcaleka, aged 41, holds a LLB degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a LLM degree in Commercial Law from the University of Johannesburg.
The statement said during her career, Gcaleka has served as a special advisor to the ministers for the Ministry of Public Service and Administration; Ministry of Home Affairs; and Ministry of Finance at different times.
During these appointments, her specific focus has been in the areas of administration, legal, legislation and policy development, strategy, compliance and governance, the presidency said.
Gcaleka started her career with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) as an aspirant prosecutor in 2004.
NM/jn/APA