The Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane has less than 10 days to give President Cyril Ramaphosa the reasons why he should not suspend her. The move is long overdue. For too long, Mkhwebane – whose term expires in October next year – has been allowed to stumble through one blunder after another in court since taking over from Thuli Madonsela in 2016. has significant legal bills, both personally and through her office, after the courts handed down numerous damning judgments against her. Many judges and legal experts have questioned his reasoning and impartiality – which…
The Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane has less than 10 days to give President Cyril Ramaphosa the reasons why he should not suspend her.
The move is long overdue.
For far too long Mkhwebane – whose term expires in October next year – has been allowed to stumble back and forth in court since taking over from Thuli Madonsela in 2016.
The public protector has significant legal bills, both personally and through her office, after the courts delivered numerous damning judgments against her.
Many judges and legal experts have questioned his reasoning and impartiality – something that cannot continue in a position with so much power.
Ramaphosa is well within his rights to suspend her, pending the finalization of impeachment proceedings investigating her fitness for office.
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The mission statement of the role of a Public Protector reads: “…To strengthen constitutional democracy in pursuit of its constitutional mandate by investigating, rectifying and redressing improper or harmful conduct in the affairs of the state. and resolving related disputes through mediation, conciliation, negotiation and other measures to ensure fair, responsive and accountable decision-making and service delivery in the public sector.
He adds: “In pursuit of the mandate, vision and mission, the public protector focuses on the following strategic objectives: to be accessible and trusted by all people and communities; rapid corrective action; promoting good governance in the conduct of all state affairs; an efficient and effective organization; and an optimal culture focused on performance and service.
Outa’s chief executive lawyer, Stefanie Fick, said: ‘Parliament should act faster to have her removed. Every day that lawyer Mkhwebane remains in her current role is a lost day for meaningful public protection against abuses of power in South Africa.
We agree. This should have been done a long time ago.
