In a landmark turnout, the efforts fo have Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane impeached were boosted by the ANC’s support in Tuesday’s hybrid Parliamentary plenary.
DA wins motion to begin Busisiwe Mkhwebane impeachment
The DA’s motion to have Mkhwebane ruled unfit to hold office has been granted, a welcomed gift wrapped and delivered by the ruling faction of Cyril Ramaphosa believers.
275 ye votes pummelled the 40 nays from the EFF, UDM, Al-Jama-ah and ATM. The Red Berets, it’s reported, will take Parliament’s decision to court for review.
Reactions to ANC support of impeachment
Immediately, news of the ANC’s firm support of the inquiry broke out on social media with many gobsmacked about the turnout.
ANC MPs are dropping like flies off the virtual platform so that they don't have to vote for the inquiry against the Public Protector.
— Michael Cardo (@michaelcardo) March 16, 2021
Today, the DA successfully led the ANC in parliament on the motion to remove the PP. it looks like the alliance of Baas John & Buffalo has already started. The DA leads, the ANC follows!!!
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) March 16, 2021
— Dali Mpofu (@AdvDali_Mpofu) March 16, 2021
Where were the 62 ANC MP’s that didn’t vote for the motion to proceed with the investigation into the Public Protector?
— Dean Macpherson MP (@DeanMacpherson) March 16, 2021
The party’s Chief Whip Pemmy Majodina had hinted at this eventuality in comments made before the sitting. Coming into the vote, the ANC had resolved to support the process as a means of adhering to the prescripts of the law.
As Majodina explained, “caucus held an extensive discussion on the matter and resolved to support the process and acknowledged that we are in a process and are not at this point dealing with the merits or demerits of the case and therefore questions of voting cannot arise at this stage.”
The party’s decision, put in clearer terms, is to place Mkhwebane under the microscope and allow her the opportunity to vindicate herself from all wrongdoing.
“The committee on Section 194 will conduct an inquiry for fairness and clarity, which will afford the public protector an opportunity to clear her name and respond to the wide allegations attributed by DA motion,” Majodina added.
Mkhwebane is still on a sabbatical that expires at the end of March. A week before her return, however, the Public Protector will appear in court on a triple lerjury charge.