Former public protector and EFF MP Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane says she is neither racist nor tribalistic. Picture: File
Former public protector and current EFF MP advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane has defended herself against racism allegations raised by Parliament, asserting that her comments were aimed at broader systemic issues.
Mkhwebane, in an interview with The Star on Thursday, amid Parliament issuing a media statement today on Mkhwebane’s social media utterances, said she was neither racist nor tribalistic.
Parliament through its spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, said: “The National Assembly has noted with dismay the unfounded utterances by Mkhwebane, which seeks to impugn the integrity of Parliament’s staff members, particularly the Chief Parliamentary Legal Advisor, a Parliamentary Legal Advisor as well as Section 194 Committee Evidence Leader.”
Mothapo said there was no merit to the attack levelled against these legal advisors, who have served Parliament with diligence and integrity over the years.
“The unwarranted attack on these officials, along with the racial slurs used by Mkhwebane is particularly regrettable in a democratic society such as ours, where human dignity should be protected and respected.
“As a Member of Parliament and a public representative who owes allegiance to our Constitution, Mkhwebane has a responsibility to uphold and protect the values enshrined in the Constitution, which are the cornerstone of our democracy. Mkhwebane has appropriately sought the court’s intervention to express her dissatisfaction with the outcome of the Section 194 Committee, and the court has now struck the matter from the roll. Parliament reaffirms its commitment to building a non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic South,” said Mothapo.
Mkhwebane denied the accusations levelled against her.
“First, I want to clarify that I am neither racist nor tribalistic. My concerns arise from observing current trends and feeling unjustly targeted by certain narratives. It was never my intention to undermine the integrity and dedication of Parliament’s staff members, especially the legal advisors mentioned.
“I respect and acknowledge their hard work and unwavering commitment to their roles. My comments were directed at understanding broader systemic issues, not personal attacks. I am committed to promoting constructive dialogue,” she said.
On Wednesday, Mkhwebane took to her X account, expressing herself in light of the recent judgment by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in the Public Protector of South Africa vs The Chairperson of the Section 194(1) Committee and Others (627/2023) {2024} ZASCA 131 (1 October).
Mkhwebane wrote: “I find myself deeply disappointed and disheartened. As a former Public Protector of South Africa, I lodged the appeal with the hope of seeking justice and clarity. However, it was evident that Judge Visvanathan Poonan, leading the judgement, displayed noticeable arrogance and dismissiveness throughout the proceedings.
“The SCA’s decision to strike my appeal marks a significant setback, not just for me personally but for all those who believed in my role as a protector of public rights and accountability. This experience has been one of immense disappointment and frustration, revealing a deeply ingrained bias that continues to obstruct genuine justice.”
The Star
ntombi.nkosi@inl.co.za