ActionSA welcomes Parliamentary Committee recommendation to remove beleaguered Mkhwebane

11 August 2023

ActionSA welcomes Parliament’s Section 194 Committee recommendation to have suspended Public Protector, Adv Busisiwe Mkhwebane, removed from office due to incompetence and misconduct during the course of her tumultuous tenure as evidenced by her myriad investigations.

Since assuming office following Adv Thuli Madonsela’s end of term in office, Mkhwebane has staggered from one controversy to another.

This is as a result of the courts overturning and excoriating over 8 of her recommendations and findings during the course of her abysmal tenure.

It soon became clear to the South African public that after we have had a Public Protector who put herself on the line by going after the powers that be during Former President, Jacob Zuma’s administration, one who exposed the rot that was illuminated at Nkandla, Prasa and State Capture across most government departments, the public was now subjected to Mkhwebane’s ineptitude to protect them.

How could a Public Protector who was busy dodging her own bullet, be able to have the interest of the public be front of mind?

It is also a matter of public record that while serving as the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, I too suffered Mkhwebane’s incompetence, subjecting me to frivolous allegations that were ultimately also unsubstantiated and overturned.

South Africans need a highly qualified, studious, meticulous Public Protector who is committed to serving the people.

To be able to discharge their constitutional functions with distinction, the Public Protector’s Office requires, Mkhwebane’s successor to be a person of integrity that will not muddy the waters by involving themselves with the politics of the day and align themselves with politicians who seek to misuse that office for their own ends.

Issued by Herman Mashaba, ActionSA President, 11 August 2023