By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Western Cape head for the Office of the Public Protector, Mulao Lamula, told Members of Parliament (MPs) that impeaching suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane could deter other competent candidates from applying for the job.
Lamula was Mkhwebane’s second witness in the Parliament Section 194 inquiry looking into her fitness to hold office.
He denied allegations that Mkhwebane established a toxic work environment when she was appointed six years ago.
Lamula insisted during the proceedings that six years Mkhwebane has been in charge “were not wasted years”.
“It has been proven… [although] they are not happy, but the evidence speaks for itself. To get a clean audit for getting three consecutive years is not pap ‘n vleis,” he said.
Lamula said he was of the view that it would be “a loss” to the public protector’s office and the country in its fight against corruption when Mkhwebane’s term ends in October 2023.
Like all human beings, Advocate Mkhwebane has her shortcomings, but she has done an excellent service to the people of South Africa. To even associate her with incompetence is a grave concern. She is more than competent for the job of public protector,” his affidavit reads.
He said it would be unfortunate if Mkhwebane was unable to wrap up her work before she hands over to the next public protector.
“It is also a scary situation for [future] public protectors [because] the possibility of being impeached is very high regardless of [their achievements],” Lamula, who assumed his role in April 2022, added.
Livestream Video Below:
Video Courtesy of Parliament.