The person replacing Thuli Madonsela as Public Protector will have to fill big shoes to fill. They will also have many hearts to fill. On Wednesday - a day ahead of the marathon session that will see all 14 shortlisted Public Protector candidates interviewed in just over 16 hours - Corruption Watch released the results of a persona survey. “Arguably the most important‚ though perhaps least surprising‚ result of the survey evidences the esteem accorded the present incumbent‚” said Corruption Watch executive director David Lewis.“Fully 87% of the respondents’ rate advocate Madonsela’s performance as excellent. Few‚ if any‚ public servants or institutions enjoy this level of respect.”Corruption Watch said the persona survey - conducted with staff in Madonsela’s office‚ members of Parliament and the general public - “will assist Parliament’s ad hoc committee‚ as well as candidates in their understanding of the roles and responsibilities which they could assume”.“It will also serve as notice to the next public protector‚ that his or her performance will come under the close and active scrutiny of the South African people.” Public Protector ‘shocked and appalled’ by office invasion“Traumatised staff” working under Public Protector Thuli Madonsela are receiving counselling following the “acts of a bunch of rascals that invaded her office” on Monday.That Madonsela raised the profile of the Office of the Public Protector is evident in the 44% of people who responded that they hadn’t heard of it until after she was appointed in 2009.The popularity of Madonsela – whose non-renewable seven-year tenure ends in October – was highlighted on Tuesday‚ with many taking to social media to dedicate their Women’s Day wishes to her.Mzu‏@bucleod was one of them: “@ThuliMadonsela3 One Special Lady‚ wish you a blessed‚ peaceful & a Happy Women's Day. We indebted to you for what contribution to Mzansi”.@ThuliMadonsela3 One Special Lady, wish you a blessed, peaceful & a Happy Women's Day. We indebted to you for what contribution to Mzansi — Mzu (@bucleod) August 9, 2016junkThe full persona survey can be viewed here. ..