THE National Assembly speaker Thandi Modise has extended deadline for nominees to serve on the independent panel of experts, which will conduct a prima facie assessment of the Democratic Alliance’s motion proposing for the removal from office of Public Protector advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane.
The deadline has been extended to Wednesday February 12 2020, after requests to allow political parties more time to submit nominees.
“Once the Speaker has received these names she will apply her mind and establish the panel,” said Parliament’s spokesperson Moloko Mothapo.
Mkhwebane has challenged the rules, calling them unlawful and unconstitutional.
“The National Assembly Rules about removing Chapter 9 office bearers specify that the three-person panel must be fit and proper South Africans who collectively have the necessary legal and other competencies to conduct the assessment. A judge may be appointed but the Speaker must make such an appointment in consultation with the Chief Justice.”
One of her criticisms of the rules is that they have not given her the right of reply.
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters says it will not support the removal of Mkhwebane through a parliamentary process spearheaded by the DA.
EFF Member of Parliament Mbuyiseni Ndlozi says all points of view must be heard. “We should be taking into consideration any criticism from the public, including the PP (Public Protector), about the removal of people heading Chapter 9 institutions. To that extent, we don’t think there is anything wrong she is doing. I am saying the trap we are avoiding is the one that this entire process is drawing attention to – the removal of the PP (Public Protector) and we are opposed to that,” said Ndlozi.