299 MPs across the political divide vote in favour of Tsakani Maluleke’s historic appointment
IN A RARE show of unity, political parties in the National Assembly on Tuesday voted unanimously for the appointment of Tsakani Maluleke as the next auditor-general of South Africa.
Maluleke, who has been the deputy to outgoing AG Kimi Makwetu since 2014, will be the first woman to occupy the position.
Her nomination easily garnered the 60% threshold when 299 MPs across political lines voted in support of her appointment.
Chairperson of proceedings Grace Boroto said the recommendation of Maluleke as the new AG would be forwarded to President Cyril Ramaphosa for ratification.
“It is a wonderful thing to happen,” said Boroto when responding to DA chief whip Natasha Mazzone asking that the nomination be recorded in the parliamentary Hansard (official record).
The IFP’s Mkhuleko Hlengwa said Maluleke not only possessed the necessary qualifications and experience but demonstrated unparalleled leadership.
“Based on her abilities, it is without a doubt she is the best person for the job. It is an added comfort that she will be the first woman to take the role and contribute to efforts to promote gender equality in key leadership roles.
“We will be monitoring her performance and look forward to her introducing innovative new measures so the work of the office of the AG can increase its impact and reach,” Hlengwa said.
The EFF’s Ntokozo Hlonyana said they were confident Maluleke would lead the AG office with distinction.
“We are inspired that for the first time the AG will be led by a woman … We want the AG to tackle difficult cases and audits now, not a month before she leaves office,” Hlonyana said.
Freedom Front MP Wouten Wessels said the amended Public Audit Act was extremely important for Maluleke to ensure she utilised the new powers afforded to her office.
Wessels said she should ensure taxpayer money was spent for the benefit of South Africa and that government resources were managed correctly.
The ACDP’s Steve Swart said it was significant that a woman was appointed to the position.
Swart said Maluleke, who has a 20-year track record in private and public sectors, took up the position at a time that the AGSA had at its disposal greater power to hold officials personally liable for lost public funds.
“We look forward to more action in this regard given the unprecedented public outrage at Covid-19 tenders.”
He said Maluleke was well equipped to fulfil her function.
