Independent panel appointed to probe impeachment proceedings against gender commission's Botha
In November, the ANC tabled a motion for Mbuyiselo Botha’s removal following misconduct charges he faced from the commission for disparaging remarks made about fellow commissioners in 2021.
Mbuyiselo Botha, Commissioner for Gender and Equality addressing SAPS at a #Men4Change conference. Picture: X/@SAPoliceService
CAPE TOWN - A three-member independent panel has been appointed to probe whether Parliament should initiate an impeachment inquiry into the removal of Mbuyiselo Botha as a Commissioner of the Gender Equality Commission.
The panel will be headed by prominent Johannesburg advocate William Mokhare.
ALSO READ: Parly working on independent panel to assess sexist allegations levelled against Botha
In November, the African National Congress (ANC) tabled a motion for Botha’s removal following misconduct charges he faced from the commission for disparaging remarks made about fellow commissioners in 2021.
As per the rules of the National Assembly, Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula established the independent panel to conduct a preliminary assessment of the evidence and charges faced by Botha.
Their term began on Friday, and they will need to report to Parliament within 30 days.
The panel comprises Mokhare as the chair, Cape Bar advocate Noxolo Mbangeni, and Cape Town lawyer Malcolm Gessler.
Should they find grounds for an impeachment inquiry, it will only be the second time Parliament holds a Section 194 inquiry, which led to the removal of former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane in 2023.
According to the parliamentary motion, Botha is facing five charges, among them discriminatory remarks he made about another commissioner’s albinism.
Botha’s five-year term as commissioner ends on 31 May.