Stay out of it, Thuli

THE latest public spat between the old public protector (Thuli Madonsela) and her very capable replacement (Busisiwe Mkhwebane) is not good for our democracy.

As far as I understand the law, the Presidency has nothing to do with the deductions that were made from Madonsela’s pension.

Any lay person should know this. The facts are that Madonsela’s son, so she claims, caused an accident with her vehicle during her tenure. It was a state asset paid for by taxpayers.

Madonsela further claims that the Auditor-General (Kimi Makwetu) “cleared” her in his report as she did not have to repay for the damages caused as her son had allegedly used the vehicle without her permission. But this is where Madonsela has been suspiciously silent on a few critical issues.

Did she lay a criminal charge against her son and, if not why not? Also, why did she refer the matter to Makwetu instead of the State Attorney?

If anyone should decide on the culpability or otherwise of the person responsible for the safe keeping of a state asset, it would be the State Attorney; not Makwetu. Just like everyone else, Madonsela is not above the law and is subject to public scrutiny despite her perceived good record.

In addition, Madonsela should get used to the fact that she is no longer the public protector. She is also obliged to show some respect to advocate Mkhwebane and allow her the space to conduct her own affairs in her new role without constant interference, fear or favour.