JUST IN: Constitutional Court rules – Ramaphosa had grounds to suspend Mkhwebane
Mkhwebane sends Ramaphosa scathing letter demanding her reinstatement
Suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane is cutting a sore figure and is challenging President Cyril Ramaphosa over her suspension.
JUST IN: Constitutional Court rules – Ramaphosa had grounds to suspend Mkhwebane
President Cyril Ramaphosa and suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s square-off has gone into fifth gear. Mkhwebane wrote a scathing letter to the president to demand her reinstatement on Tuesday, 14 June.
Mkhwebane’s suspension was ordered last week, with Ramaphosa stating it would remain in place until a parliamentary impeachment process concludes on 11 July. But the public protector is bent on ensuring the immediate reversal of this decision.
Mkhwebane gives Ramaphosa stiff deadline to respond
But what if Ramaphosa does not grant her wish? The answer is simple enough. Mkhwebane was sure to inform him in the personally signed letter of her intention to take legal action.
READ MORE: Ramaphosa to oppose any application by Mkhwebane on her suspension
So, the ball is in his court, and it is for Ramaphosa to decide how he responds to this ultimatum. Moreover, she has given him a short turnaround in which to do so. The eight-page letter, in which Mkhwebane said her suspension is illegal, in part, read:
“I demand that you reverse your decision to suspend me. Indicate that you have done so by no later than 5 pm [yesterday]. Failure to comply will leave me with no option but to refer the matter to a court. I will do so as a matter of urgency and without any further notice to you. Your unlawful conduct in suspending me has violated my constitutional and other rights.”
Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa
‘Suspension unlawful and irrational’
Further, in the letter, Mkhwebane told Ramaphosa what she thinks of certain conditions of her suspension. She said even though she would still receive a salary and other benefits while suspended, she would not enjoy them fully.
Mkhwebane also maintained that, according to the constitution, Ramaphosa does not have the suspending authority in her matter. The public protector explained that such actions would constitute a conflict of interest.
“The conflict or potential risk of conflict arises because of ongoing investigations, including the latest matters of Glencore and your Phala Phala farm. All involve serious and impeachable offences. To this end, I do not believe that you will act impartially.”
Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa
