Busisiwe Mkhwebane

[FILE] President Cyril Ramaphosa does not seem very bothered by Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s investigations into him. Photos: GCIS / Flickr

Mkhwebane fights against suspension: Ramaphosa is ‘heavily implicated’

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane says President Cyril Ramaphosa should not suspend her, because HE is heavily implicated…

Busisiwe Mkhwebane

[FILE] President Cyril Ramaphosa does not seem very bothered by Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s investigations into him. Photos: GCIS / Flickr

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane could be suspended from her job any day now. It hasn’t been a fun time to be Mkhwebane for years now. Facing constant allegations of incompetence and bias, she has lost in court time and time again. In recent months, we journalists have even run out of words to find a fresh way to describe her latest court defeat. While Mkhwebane is still fighting in court, she has once again come out and attacked the president.

Busisiwe Mkhwebane tells Ramaphosa why he should not suspend her

Mkhwebane’s office has confirmed that she has written to Ramaphosa with reasons as to why he should not suspend her. Her letter to the president comes after Ramaphosa first requested those reasons from her back in March.

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Busisiwe Mkhwebane went to court, and bought herself plenty of time. And in her letter to Ramaphosa this week, she makes it clear that her reasons are being submitted “under protest”. She also says that she should not be suspended, because the president is conflicted.

“President Ramaphosa’s conflict stems from the pending litigation relating to the Bosasa/CR17 bank statements matter and the multiple Public Protector investigations in which the President is heavily implicated. The President has previously conceded, under oath, in proceedings before the Western Cape High Court, that he is indeed conflicted. This was in respect of another Bosasa/CR17 court case.”

Public Protector Spokesperson Oupa Segalwe

PARLIAMENT ASKS THE PUBLIC TO SUBMIT EVIDENCE AGAINST MKHWEBANE

Parliament’s Section 194 Committee has invited members of the public to inform it if they have any evidence against Mkhwebane, that they may wish to place before the committee.

The committee earlier this month announced that it will move ahead with its work to begin impeachment proceedings against Mkhwebane. The committee will now hold an inquiry into the Public Protector after an independent panel found that there is prima facie evidence showing Mkhwebane’s misconduct and incompetence.

Those looking to submit evidence against Busisiwe Mkhwebane have until the 3rd of June to write to the committee.

The Western Cape High Court still has to rule on Mkhwebane’s application to block any possible suspension. As a result, she insists that any suspension before the court’s ruling, will “undermine the independence of the judiciary”.