The National Assembly has approved a motion to recommend Dhaya Pillay, Mosotho Moepya and Joyce Pitso to serve as commissioners in the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).

Last week, the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs recommended the three candidates to the National Assembly, ahead of the three vacancies that will arise on November 4, when the term of office expires for IEC chairperson Moepya, IEC commissioner Pillay and IEC commissioner Dr Nomsa Masuku.

If appointed by the President, the three nominees will fill the vacancies.

“This recommendation to the President is made in accordance with Section 6(2)(d) of the Electoral Commission Act and follows a selection process presided over by the Chief Justice as mandated by Section 6(3) of the Act,” explained Parliament. 

Parliament pointed out that the appointment process for IEC Commissioners was designed to ensure transparency and integrity.

“When a vacancy arises on the Commission, the Judicial Services Commission, under the leadership of the Chief Justice, publicly calls for nominations. An independent panel, chaired by the Chief Justice and comprising representatives from the Human Rights Commission, the Commission for Gender Equality and the Public Protector, considers all applications received,” it said.

It added that the panel was responsible for shortlisting, interviewing and submitting a list of no fewer than eight suitable candidates to the National Assembly.

Parliament highlighted that the National Assembly, through the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, then conducted its own deliberations on the shortlist before the National Assembly approved the final nominees to be recommended to the President for appointment.

“This multi-faceted and consultative process underscores Parliament’s commitment to appointing individuals of the highest calibre, ensuring the continued independence, competence and public trust in the Electoral Commission and the integrity of South Africa’s democracy,” it said.