Shortlist of candidates to be appointed as Public Service Commissioners

Meeting report

The Chairperson opened the meeting by going over what had been discussed at the previous meeting, and gave a list of apologies. She said there was a need to make the appointment of new commissioners, as the fourth Parliament was coming to an end.  She explained the Constitutional logistics regarding the roles of commissioners, and the method of making appointments.  The importance of choosing good commissioners was emphasised.   

The Chairperson said that the last interviews of candidates had been very interesting and enjoyable. The committee normally appointed the number required, but it liked to have back-up appointees in case any of the two selected commissioners did not take up their positions.  Candidates CVs had been sent to the Members so that they could choose those who were best qualified.  There had been 193 applicants.  The names of those who were qualified, and had significant experience, had been kept while the others had been discarded and removed.  The Committee’s task was to determine who would be short-listed.  She emphasised that commissioners could not hold their position past their second term, which was ten years. Out of the previous commission selections, four of the five chosen had stayed. She asked the Committee Members who they were to shortlist.

Mr A Williams (ANC) emphasised the importance of continuity, and provided the following short-list without comment:

RS Monakedi

GC Kwela

E Moonsamy

G Mokate

MG Ledwaba

SS Nkosi.

Ms M Mohale (ANC) gave her short list with explanations. They were:

SS Nkosi – continuity, woman

G Mokate – (no comment given)

DE Anneke – woman

E Moonsamy – woman

GC Kwela – (no comment given)

RS Monakedi – (no comment given)

Mr C Msimang (IFP) did not make any selections, as he had not received the CVs.

The Chairperson said she would submit her selections and then break, to give Mr Msimang some time to look over the CVs which the rest of the Committee had chosen, to see if he agreed or not. Her selection was:

RS Monakedi – rich experience and background

DE Anneke – good experience

GC Kwela – DDG in Home Affairs; takes anti-corruption seriously

G Mokate – previously interviewed

MG Ledwaba – disability

SS Nkosi – continuity, current commissioner

Mr Msimang then gave his selections:

RS Monakedi – qualification and experience

DE Anneke – woman.  He emphasised the Constitutional need to integrate women into government; impressed by liberal mind.

GC Kwela – presently at the Department of Home affairs, which is a “problem department”, giving him relevant experience; exposure to various institutions; dealing with anti-corruption

E Moonsamy – second female choice; racial diversity (Indian)

G Mokate – thin CV, but has very good research and analysis skills

MG Ledwaba – disability

He said that they all compare favourably

SS Nkosi – woman.  It was important that she should be on the commission.  There may be better candidates, but the Committee should give her a chance

He said that he would rely on the Committee’s opinions and apologised for not having read through the CVs thoroughly.

The Chairperson reread Mr Msimang’s selection, summarising his main points. She proposed that all those listed by the Committee be short-listed. She referred to Section 195 and 196 of the Constitution, which stated the functions of the commissioners, adding that they were of critical and vital importance. She also briefly referenced the Public Service Commission Act and Section 10 of the Constitution. The Committee needed fewer than 12 on the short-list, and two days would be all it should need for interviews.  The dates for of interviews were 25 and 26 February.

Those on the short-list, with their respective CV number, are:

#2 RS Monakedi

#11 DE Anneke

#51 GC Kwela

#88 E Moonsamy

#118 G Mokate

#170 MG Ledwaba

#195 SS Nkosi

The meeting was adjourned.