Mkhwebane gets EFF backing for PP post‚ despite misgivings from DA

While the EFF supported the appointment of Busisiwe Mkhwebane to be the next Public Protector‚ the DA expressed concern about her lack of experience as well as her working as analyst for the State Security Agency.

EFF leader Julius Malema remarked that Mkhwebane was the closest that the country had to the current Public Protector Thuli Madonsela‚ whose non-renewable term expires at the end of October.

Malema made this remark on Wednesday as the special ad hoc committee appointed to nominate the new Public Protector‚ sat to decide on the five shorlisted candidates.

Mkhwebane was shortlisted together with Judges Siraj Desai and Sharise Weiner‚ Adv Muvhango Lakhaimane and Bongani Majola.

Glynnis Breytenbach‚ DA MP‚ said Mkhwebane did have legal qualifications but said her experience should not be overstated.

“It was not a managerial position. If the legal experience of [another candidate‚ Judge Sharise] Weiner was found to be wanting‚ then the legal experience of Advocate Mkhwebane should be found wanting‚” Breytenbach said.

Breytenbach said she could not get an answer why she changed a job as a high-flying director in home affairs to a low-level job at the State Security Agency.

“For that reason I cannot support her‚” Breytenbach said.

Steve Swart‚ from the African Christian Democratic Party‚ also mentioned his concerns about her move from the home affairs department to the State Security Agency.

“This is a matter of concern.”

Phumzile van Damme‚ said although Mkhwebane gave an exemplary interview‚ she was uncomfortable about that fact she had never practised law for more than two years. — TMG Digital