Deputy PP interviews: Dispute over Busisiwe Mkhwebane's recusal overshadows proceedings
The DA said Mkhwebane's connections to at least two of the candidates are a clear conflict of interest.
FILE: Former Public Protector and EFF MP, Busisiwe Mkhwebane (in red), sits as part of the committee interviewing candidates for the deputy Public Protector position on 13 March 2024. Picture: Lindsay Dentlinger/ Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - A dispute over whether Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament (MP) Busisiwe Mkhwebane should recuse herself from interviews for the next deputy Public Protector has overshadowed proceedings in Parliament.
Seven candidates were due to be interviewed by Parliament’s justice committee on Wednesday.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) said her connections to at least two of the candidates are a clear conflict of interest.
But former Public Protector, Mkhwebane doesn’t think so, saying her views won’t influence the decision of the committee.
The interviewing process stalled after MPs called for legal advice first, over whether the EFF’s sole representative on the committee Mkhwebane, should stay or go.
One of the candidates is representing Mkhwebane in a pro bono legal matter, while another was disciplined by her as an employee of the Public Protector’s office.
But Mkhwebane said as a legal professional, she can be objective.
“I'm representing the masses of the people. I’m not here as Mkhwebane the Public Protector. I’m here to make sure I assist the committee.”
The African National Congress (ANC) caucus has pushed for the interviews to continue, despite the DA’s objections.
The party’s Richard Dyantyi said, “It will not serve Parliament to collapse the process at this point.”
Committee Chairperson Bulelani Magwanishe said the concerns raised would be considered once the interviews have been completed, and a legal opinion is received on Monday.