Mkhwebane gets Parliament approval for Public Protector job
Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane got the National Assembly’s approval to fill the Public Protector post.
Her candidacy was endorsed with an overwhelming 263 votes during a debate in the National Assembly on Wednesday.
A total of 79 MPs voted against it, while 1 MP abstained.
Only the Democratic Alliance opposed her nomination and accused her of being a spy on the State Security Agency’s payroll.
Now, the report of the ad hoc committee set up to select a new public protector would be sent to President Jacob Zuma, who would have the final say.
The National Assembly benches were packed on Wednesday as parties wanted to ensure they got the required 60% to carry the vote.
Mkhwebane was selected from over 60 candidates nominated by South Africans. They included judges Siraj Desai and Sharise Weiner, Prof Bongani Majola, and advocate Muvhango Lukhaimane.
Thuli Madonsela’s seven-year term ends mid-October.
More the public protector
Mkhwebane selected as Public Protector candidate
5 candidates shortlisted for public protector job
This is the final shortlist for the position of Public Protector