Critical Infrastructure Council recommendations: Interviews Day 3

Meeting report

The Chairperson welcomed everyone present and thanked Members for participating in the process as it was the last day of interviews. The last candidate, Dr Mokgadi Ngoepe-Ntsoane, would be interviewed virtually as she was not permitted by her doctors to travel as she is currently extremely ill.

The Committee interviewed the following candidates:
Mr David Schoultz
Adv Lufuno Khorommbi
Ms Nomabandla Silinyana
Ms Thandiwe Modise
Mr Richard Zitha
Dr Mokgadi Ngoepe-Ntsoane.

Interview questions:
Question 1
The Chairperson asked the candidate to talk about his/her background, qualifications, and work experience and why s/he is the best fit for the position.

Question 2
Ms N Peacock (ANC) asked the candidate's understanding of critical infrastructure and why critical infrastructure must be protected in the country. 

Question 3
Ms L Moss (ANC) asked about the intention of critical infrastructure protection in reference to the Critical Infrastructure Act.

Question 4
Mr H Shembeni (EFF) asked if the public should be allowed in critical infrastructure establishments and be free to take photographs. 

Question 5
Mr A Shaik-Emam (NFP) asked about the role of the South African Police Service and security agencies with respect to critical infrastructure. 

Question 6
Ms Z Majozi (IFP) asked about the key challenges faced by the Council and what role it should play in strengthening critical infrastructure. 

Question 7
Mr O Terblanche (DA) asked what key technical and leadership strengths the candidate will bring to the Critical Infrastructure Council if appointed and what will be the areas of focus for growth if appointed.

Question 8
Mr Shaik-Emam asked if the candidate has ever been criminally charged and /or convicted or faced serious allegations of corruption or theft, or appeared before a disciplinary committee for gross insubordination, absenteeism, or dereliction of duties. 

Question 9
Ms Majozi said managing key stakeholder relationships is an important responsibility of the Critical Infrastructure Council. Describe how you would manage stakeholder expectations of the Council.

The Chairperson thanked the candidates and told the candidates that the Committee was not yet aware when the process would be completed as Parliament was on recess. Once Parliament gets back from recess, the Committee must table its 10 preferred candidates to the National Assembly. Those 10 recommendations would then be referred to the from which the Minister would appoint five Council members.  Although the candidates shortlisted for interviews were subjected to vetting, the final 10 would still undergo extensive vetting before the Minister appoints the five.

Concluding remarks
After a brief closed discussion, the Committee went back on public record and resolved that Members would submit their top 10 preferred candidates to the Chairperson through WhatsApp. When the Committee meets again, Members will discuss the final 10 based on the submitted scores.

The meeting was adjourned.