The DA accuses Mkhwebane of using race as a smokescreen to dodge accountability

Image Source: citizen.co.za

DA spokesperson Glynnis Breytenbach condemned Mkhwebane’s race-baiting tactics, calling it appalling that she would use such a divisive approach to distract from her errors and the strong evidence that resulted in her removal from office.

She further stated that this behavior is not only offensive but also reveals a deep disregard for the principles of fairness and accountability that are meant to uphold the nation’s democratic institutions.

The DA remains steadfast in defending the rule of law and refuses to allow it to be undermined by shameful strategies like these. The role of Public Protector demands a person of unquestionable integrity and strong moral character—qualities Mkhwebane has consistently shown she lacks.

She continued, stating that Mkhwebane’s desperate efforts to play the race card will fail just like her tenure did, emphasizing that South Africa deserves far stronger leadership.

Parliament has dismissed Mkhwebane’s accusations against its staff and legal advisers as baseless and without merit.

She also targeted Supreme Court of Appeal judge Visvanathan Ponnan, along with other judicial officers of Indian descent, after the court rejected her bid to appeal a 2022 Western Cape High Court decision concerning her impeachment inquiry.

The decision to dismiss her appeal was unanimously supported by the bench, which included judges Caroline Nicholls, Billy Mothle, and acting justices Mokgere Masipa and Evette Dippenaar.

Cosatu denounced Mkhwebane’s comments and urged Parliament to take action against “misbehaving” MPs. Mkhwebane labeled Ponnan as arrogant and dismissive, particularly after he stated that her application was “dead on arrival.” She emphasized that this remark highlighted the challenges and prejudices she has encountered, especially from individuals of Indian descent.

Parliament expressed its “dismay” at Mkhwebane’s comments, which attempted to undermine the integrity of its staff and the evidence leader of the section 194 committee that reviewed her impeachment.

In September of last year, Mkhwebane was impeached when 318 members of the National Assembly voted to remove her after a detailed investigation and extensive testimonies concerning claims of misconduct and incompetence.

In her application to the SCA, she aimed to challenge a Western Cape High Court ruling that dismissed her case against MPs Qubudile Dyantyi and Kevin Mileham for not stepping down from the section 194 committee. Additionally, she sought to overturn the committee’s decisions not to summon certain “relevant witnesses” to testify.

Judiciary watchdog Judges Matter called on Parliament’s ethics committee to probe EFF MP Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s racially charged attack on a Supreme Court of Appeal judge.