DA says Public Protector has poor understanding of law, Parliament's duty

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane. Picture: Reuters/Mike Hutchings

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane. Picture: Reuters/Mike Hutchings

Published Jan 28, 2020

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Johannesburg - The DA says Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has a poor understanding of the law and Parliament's duty.

The DA Natasha Mazzone was responding to Mkhwebane's press briefing on Tuesday where she criticised the motion approved by Parliament Speaker Thandi Modise to investigate her removal from office.

Mkhwebane said the rules adopted to be used by Parliament in the process could be described as unconstitutional and unfair. She has written to Modise seeking clarity on the rules and issues she has against criticism against her office.

"The process which has been followed in drafting the rules and the constitutionality of the process is the issue. I have further requested an undertaking from the Speaker that this grossly unfair process be temporarily suspended until all the issues I raise above have been adequately addressed amicably," Mkhwebane said.

 Mazzone said the rules adopted in December would assist Parliament in the process of assessing Mkhwebane's fitness to hold office.

"The rules adopted by Parliament in December last year put in place the rules in terms of which the National Assembly must conduct itself in the process of arriving at this resolution. The DA believes that our motion, submitted and accepted in terms of the rules of the National Assembly, clearly sets out why Mkhwebane is not a fit and proper person to occupy the office of Public Protector, based on misconduct, incapacity or incompetence.," she said.

"Mkhwebane’s latest statements only serve to prove how poor her understanding of the law is, underscoring the correctness of the DA’s call to have her removed as soon as due process allows."

Political Bureau

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