News24 | Ramaphosa reappoints Moepya and Pillay to IEC, EFF ‘deeply disturbed’

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed commissioners to the IEC for the next seven-year term.

• President Cyril Ramaphosa has reappointed Mosotho Moepya as chairperson of the IEC and confirmed new commissioners for the next seven-year term.
• The appointments come despite a panel led by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya having raised concerns about Moepya and Judge Dhaya Pillay’s suitability for the roles.
• The EFF has criticised the decision, saying government ignored the panel’s findings and endorsed candidates it deemed unfit to lead the electoral body.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reappointed Mosotho Moepya as chairperson of the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) and confirmed new commissioners for the next seven-year term – a decision that comes despite earlier concerns raised about some candidates’ suitability for the roles.

The commissioners include Joyce Pitso – who will serve as a full-time member of the commission – and Judge Dhaya Pillay, who will serve as a part-time member.

The president also appointed Mosotho Moepya as chairperson – a role he was first appointed to in 2022. Moepya will also serve as a full-time member of the IEC.

The process to appoint new commissioners to the IEC began in July. Chaired by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, the panel conducted interviews with 12 shortlisted candidates from across the country.

Retired deputy judge president of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court, Judge Mjabuliseni Isaac Madondo, and Pillay were among those interviewed.

The reappointment of Moepya and Pillay follows criticism from the EFF, which last week questioned their suitability to continue serving on the commission.

In a statement, the party accused Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs of endorsing the pair while disregarding findings from the selection panel chaired by Maya. The panel had reportedly raised concerns about both candidates’ performance and leadership qualities.

“The panel ... raised specific concerns about Mr Moepya, stating that he appeared defensive, unwilling to acknowledge weaknesses with[in] the IEC, and dismissive of suggestions to improve the commission’s systems.”

The panel also noted that he lacked empathy and failed to offer credible ideas to address challenges such as growing voter apathy, said the EFF.

READ | Candidates highlight challenges and solutions in race for IEC vacancies

The party said similar concerns were raised about Pillay, who was described as reluctant to recognise the IEC’s shortcomings and unsatisfactory in her approach to diversity and voter participation.

The EFF said it was “deeply disturbed” about Moepya and Pillay’s appointment.