A fearless public protector, who will defend the poor and vulnerable, and who will investigate corruption without fear or favour, is needed now more than ever. A recent survey by Transparency International found that four out of five South Africans believe corruption is on the rise. They also believe that the government is doing little to fight graft.This is why South Africans should take a keen interest and participate fully in the process to find the right person to take over from Thuli Madonsela.story_article_left1The post was officially advertised at the beginning of the month, when the public was invited to nominate candidates to parliament. On Friday, the last day to submit nominations, 72 candidates had been nominated.Among them are sitting and former MPs, retired politicians, judges and well-known jurists. A multiparty committee will sift through the CVs and compilea shortlist. After interviews, the committee will nominate a candidate for appointment by President Jacob Zuma.Finding Madonsela's replacement will be as hard as finding a needle in a haystack.The public protector has powers to probe a complaint against members of the civil service and other public office bearers. Madonsela has done this and more.She took on the most powerful, and won. Among them are EFF leader Julius Malema , former top cop Bheki Cele and former public works minister Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde. The list is endless.But it was her investigation into Zuma's private home at Nkandla that made many sit up and take notice. Madonsela has to move on as she cannot serve another term. Fortunately for us there are many men and women of steel who can take over from her. We just have to find the right one...