By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

President Cyril Ramaphosa, has moved to appoint new members to be a part of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) ahead of the upcoming municipal elections that are set to take place next year and to facilitate a new era of South Africa’s democratic process. 

In accordance with section 6 of the Electoral Commission Act, Ramaphosa has appointed three new members who are set to take up leadership positions as this is also approved by the National Assembly.

 Joyce Pitso and Mosothi Moepya have been appointed as full time commissioners while Judge Dhaya Pillay will serve as a part-time commissioner. 

The term of their appointments is set to be up to seven years as they have a mandate to uphold integrity and transparency in regards to the country’s electoral system.

 “President Ramaphosa has also, in terms of Section 8 (1) of the Electoral Commission Act, designated Moepya as the Chairperson…The President wishes the commissioners well in safeguarding the integrity of diverse elections in the country,” said the presidency.

 A panel was designated in order to interview the candidates for the position, the panel consisted of Kholeka Gcaleka who serves as a Public Protector, Chris Nissen who serves as South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) chair as well as Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale who serves as Chairperson for the Commission of Gender Equality.