Parly working on independent panel to assess sexist allegations levelled against Botha
Commissioner of the Gender Equality Commission Mbuyiselo Botha is facing five charges according to a motion submitted by the ANC, largely related to disparaging and demeaning remarks he made about female colleagues in 2021.
Mbuyiselo Botha, Commissioner for Gender and Equality addressing SAPS at a #Men4Change conference. Picture: X/@SAPoliceService
CAPE TOWN - Parliament is looking to get the ball rolling on its second Section 194 impeachment process before it goes full steam ahead with elections.
Secretary to the National Assembly (NA) Masibulele Xaso said Parliament is already working on the establishment of an independent panel to assess the evidence against Mbuyiselo Botha - a commissioner at the Gender Equality Commission.
Botha is facing five charges according to a motion submitted by the African National Congress (ANC).
They largely related to disparaging and demeaning remarks he made about female colleagues in 2021 - including the deputy chairperson of the Gender Equality Commission.
Over the years, Botha’s been a vocal activist against gender-related abuse.
Last September, former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane became the first person to be removed from office under Section 194 of the Constitution.
Following complaints levelled against Botha said Parliament on Thursday, it’s ready to move to the next step to determine whether he should face a parliamentary impeachment inquiry.
NA secretary Masibulele Xaso said the Speaker has already approached candidates nominated by political parties - to serve on an independent legal panel.
"The intention is that by March, this panel must begin its work and let’s see how far it goes. Hopefully, it could complete its task before the election."
On Wednesday, the NA made history by impeaching the first High Court judges in the democratic era - in line with Section 177 of the Constitution.