Mkhwebane new protector-elect
ONLY DA DOESN’T SUPPORT NOMINATION
EFF welcomes choice of ‘biblical David’ to take over from Thuli Madonsela.
Busisiwe Mkhwebane has trumped the other four candidates shortlisted to fill the shoes of outgoing Public Protector Thuli Madonsela. Mkhwebane, a director in the department of home affairs and former senior investigator in the office of the public protector, will be recommended as the name to be put forward to the National Assembly as soon as next week.
Only the Democratic Alliance raised objections to the nomination. DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach said Mkhwebane had been “found wanting”. Her relationship with President Jacob Zuma also disturbed her. Fellow DA MP Phumzile van Damme said Mkhwebane did not have enough experience. “She practised for two years [in court]. If we’re going to be fair … she’s a civil servant, she’s not a lawyer,” Van Damme said.
African Christian Democratic Party MP Steve Swart said Mkhwebane was “probably the candidate that had the broadest consensus across political lines”.
The EFF supported the appointment. “Let’s take this opportunity to congratulate Ms Mkhwebane on her imminent position as the public protector,” said MP Floyd Shivambu. “She must truly be a biblical David,” he added, possibly referring to her duty to take government to task.
Western Cape High Court Judge Siraj Desai, who had been considered a frontrunner, was cast out of the race. The EFF and DA challenged the judge’s ability to keep a level head under pressure after he lashed out at committee members in his interview when questions were raised about a past rape charge against him and his so-called bias in favour of the ANC in delivering judgments.
EFF leader Julius Malema said rape was a very difficult issue in society. “A man who has no opinion about rape culture in society … [Are we] willing to have a public protector who has no opinion about rape? He’s supposed to be a man of honour. His temper, if it’s anything to go by, [shows] he’s got nothing to offer,” Malema said.
Mkhwebane needs a 60% vote in the National Assembly to get the job, which she should get. –