Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
14 March 2024 | 23:29 SAST
1 minute read

Picture: National Government of South Africa

In a session marked by controversy, Parliament proceeded with interviews for candidates applying for the position of Deputy Public Protector, with former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, now an EFF MP, participating in the process. Despite concerns raised about her involvement due to her history with the candidates and the institution, the interviews proceeded without incident.

Advocate Stephanie Fick, Executive Director of the Accountability Division at the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuses, questions Mkhwebane’s presence in the process given her past actions and removal from the position of Public Protector.

“If you look at the history of the Public Protector, what she went through, the fact that, you know, that she was removed, she shouldn’t be in Parliament in the first place,” Advocate Fick notes.

The role of the Deputy Public Protector is to assist the Public Protector, making the selection of the candidate all the more important.

Fick raised concerns about the necessity of the position and whether resources could be better allocated.

“Do we really need a deputy public protector? Can we live without it? Isn’t there, isn’t it time that we think about uplifting the office? You know, the people, the people that are supposed to do the reports and investigations, we hear it so often that the resources are slim, you know, some of the offices just can’t get to all the files. And this office is so important in terms of speaking on behalf of the little guy, you know, against the big machinery of the state,” Fick says.

Regarding Mkhwebane’s ongoing legal battles and attempts to claim benefits following her impeachment, Fick expresses scepticism, emphasising the need for accountability and responsible use of public funds.

Furthermore, Mkhwebane’s decision to join the EFF sparked speculation about potential misuse of office for political purposes, echoing previous allegations against her. Fick emphasises the need for officials in high positions to uphold their constitutional duties and act with integrity.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Junaid Kharsany here.