State Security Agency official to replace Madonsela

Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane, a State Security Agency (SSA) official, is two steps away from taking over as the next Public Protector when Thuli Madonsela leaves the office in October. The special parliamentary committee tasked with finding Madonsela’s replacement resolved to nominate the 46-year-old Mkhwebane as its candidate for the job yesterday, notes a City Press report. Her nomination was supported by all the parties represented in the multiparty committee with the exception of the DA. ‘We reserve our comment,’ said DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach as the committee wrapped up the process. The broad consensus on a name is exactly what committee chairperson Makhosi Khoza was hoping for. Throughout the process, Khoza repeatedly voiced her hope of finding a Public Protector who was supported by all, and not just by the governing ANC through its numerical dominance. This, however, does not mean there will be no voting when the name is presented to the National Assembly next week for approval, adds the report. If the DA’s position does not change, the nomination may have to go to a vote in the house and according to the Constitution, 60% of the National Assembly MPs must support the candidate for the vote to carry, which, notes Legalbrief, whether the DA supports her or not, is a given.