The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs on Wednesday welcomed the appointment of Simon Mamabolo as chief electoral officer of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa.

Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs chairperson Lemias Mashile said Mamabolo’s appointment demonstrated the systematic succession planning within the institution and would further ensure skills retention.

“The committee has, since inception of the fifth Parliament, interacted with Mamabolo in his capacity as deputy CEO and acting CEO at the IEC and is confident that he will continue to add value and strengthen governance in his new position,” said Mashile.

Mamabolo’s major task is to implement the Constitutional Court ruling on incorporating addresses into the voters roll and preparation for the much contested 2019 national and provincial election which would see President Jacob Zuma step down as head of State.