Parliament’s justice and correctional services portfolio committee chairman Mathole Motshekga came out to bat for Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane on Wednesday in the face of a DA onslaught. The DA and other opposition parties have been pushing for Parliament to remove the embattled public protector from office for alleged incompetence and misconduct. This comes amid concern that the crucial Chapter 9 institution, which is meant to guard democracy and fight corruption, was fast losing credibility under Mkhwebane’s watch. Mkhwebane is also said to have side-lined her deputy, Kevin Malunga, for not having a full top-secret security clearance. “There is currently no basis for Parliament to say we have a public protector that is not fit to hold office,” said Motshekga. “The fact that there is [an adverse] court finding [against the public protector] is immaterial. An inquiry [into her fitness to hold office] is exclusive to Parliament,” Motshekga said as he concluded a committee meet...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.