Never Mind The Court Action, Silent Battle Brewing Within Public Protector’s Office

As the damaging court battles between Busisiwe Mkhwebane and others rages on, the spotlight is firmly on the governance of the Chapter 9 institution, and the relations between Public Protector and her deputy Kevin Malunga.

This follows revelations by Malunga in which he detailed weaknesses in the Public Protector’s office, including a lack of consultation between officials.

Malunga’s comments on eNCA came as assertions flooded social media that Mkhwebane wasn’t only unfit to hold the office, but was also using the office to settle political scores.

This followed Monday’s High Court ruling that suspended remedial orders by Mkhwebane against Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan, the latest blow to Mkhwebane in the courts.

Reacting to the judgment, Gordhan’s legal team said the minister “doubts the competence, integrity, legal literacy and Constitutional grasp (by the Public Protector) of her powers, duties and functions.”

Referring to last Monday’s adverse Constitutional Court pronouncement