Dinkie Dube takes the helm as South Africa’s Deputy Public Protector

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Advocate Dinkie Portia Dube as Deputy Public Protector of South Africa.

The Presidency confirmed the appointment on Thursday, saying Dube will assume office on February 1, 2026, for a single, non-renewable term of seven years.

“The President has made this appointment in terms of section 2A(1) of the Public Protector Act, 1994 (Act 23 of 1994), on the recommendation of the National Assembly,” the statement read.

Dube brings more than 20 years of experience in the public sector, with a professional background focused on oversight, investigations and complaints management.

She is currently Director-General of the Public Service Commission, where she oversees governance, ethics and performance in the public service.

Before that, she served as Chief Director: Operations in the Office of the Military Ombud.

She also has direct experience within the Public Protector’s office, having been provincial director of the Gauteng office between 2011 and 2014.

Her earlier career includes roles in the Department of Trade and Industry’s Office of Consumer Protection, where she handled complaint resolution, and as a legal officer at the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

The Public Protector is a Chapter 9 institution established by the Constitution to strengthen democracy.

Its mandate includes investigating maladministration, abuse of power and improper conduct in state affairs, as well as issuing remedial action that can be legally binding.

In announcing the appointment, Ramaphosa said the office of the Public Protector played a central role in administrative oversight and accountability across government, and wished Dube well in her new position.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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