Mkhwebane back on the hot-seat

Suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane will be back at the Section 194 Enquiry Committee on Monday

The Section 194 Enquiry Committee established to look into Mkhwebane’s fitness to hold office resolved to resume hearings and to push full-steam ahead in order to conclude within the timeframe of its latest adopted draft programme, that is 28 July 2023.

Committee Chairperson Qubudile Dyantyi said he noted the concern of its members, especially the escalating costs, including “rates being raised” in respect of counsel fees for Mkhwebane.

In summarising the discussions from Friday’s meeting, he said “everything needs to be done within reasonable means”.

The committee was briefed by its legal advisor, Fatima Ebrahim, on correspondence and progress made since its last meeting.

During the briefing, it became apparent that the rates for all three advocates preferred by Mkhwebane have now increased by R12 000 per day.

The Committee heard that on 23