Public Protector, Adv Busisiwe Mkhwebane and President Cyril Ramaphosa. Images via Twitter/@DZSambudla and @VernonNaidoo
Political parties reject adoption of Section 194 Committte’s report
The EFF, ATM and UDM have rejected the adoption of the Section 194 Committee’s report on Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s fitness to hold office
Public Protector, Adv Busisiwe Mkhwebane and President Cyril Ramaphosa. Images via Twitter/@DZSambudla and @VernonNaidoo
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), African Transformation Movement (ATM) and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) have rejected the adoption of the final report on Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s fitness to hold office by the Section 194 Committee.
Earlier this month the Section 194 Committee chaired by Qubudile Dyantyi found grounds to sustain charges of misconduct and incompetence against Busisiwe Mkhwebane during her tenure.
POLITICAL PARTIES REJECT SECTION 194 COMMITTEE’S REPORT ON MKHWEBANE
In February 2020, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Parliament submitted the motion to institute removal proceedings against Mkhwebane, citing a number of scathing court judgements against her, particularly relating to some of her investigations, including the Estina Dairy probe.
In March 2021, Parliament voted in support of establishing the committee after adopting a report by a panel of experts, which found there were grounds for an investigation into the public protector’s fitness to hold office.
ALSO READ: Busisiwe Mkhwebane to open a case over leaked ‘compromising’ text
Following the final adoption of the Section 194 Committee’s report, the EFF, ATM and UDM said the report is the outcome of a process they deem flawed, irrational and influenced by undue manipulations, beginning with a predetermined objective.
The parties said it is intent that the aim was not to conduct a sincere, transparent and impartial inquiry into Mkhwebane’s competence.
“Instead, it appeared orchestrated by those who, from the outset, sought a specific conclusion, seemingly disregarding contrary evidence,” the parties said.
Mkhwebane previously claimed Dyantyi, the late ANC MP Tina Joematt-Pettersson and ANC Chief Whip Pemmy Majodina all demanded bribes from her in exchange for making the inquiry go away.
ALSO READ: Hawks solicit phone records of MPs linked to Mkhwebane bribery allegations
NON-CREDIBLE WITNESSES
The EFF, ATM and UDM further said that the enquiry was plagued with non-credible witnesses and perceived biases from the Chairperson, who faced multiple justified calls for recusal and legal challenges.
“Some witnesses exhibited overt animosity towards Advocate Mkhwebane, unfairly placing the blame on her for their grievances. Yet, their testimonies were embraced and deemed credible.”
