An analyst at the State Security Agency, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, has been approved by South Africa’s National Assembly (lower House of Parliament) to become the country’s new Public Protector (Ombudsman), with only MPs from the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA) voting against her.

The Assembly voted on Wednesday night on the recommendation of the Ad hoc Committee that Mkhwebane replace outgoing Public Protector Thuli Madonsela who has completed her non-renewable term of office.

All parties voted in favour of Mkwhebane except the DA, while MPs from the Congress of the People (COPE) abstained.

The Constitution requires at least 60 per cent or 240 of the 400 MPs to vote in favour of a new Public Protector, but Mkhebane achieved 23 more votes.

Meanwhile, a function was held Wednesday night in Pretoria to honour outgoing Public Protector Madonsela, who received the Truth and Justice Award from the Law Society. Speakers, including Deputy Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba, showered her with praise.

A visibly moved Madonsela said she would not be lost to the country, but is first taking a long holiday.

“The Deputy Judge President did bring tears to my eyes. I didn’t expect such accolades from him. I was totally humbled by what he said to me and about me. It is something I will always cherish for the rest of my life,” she said.

“I’m now on holiday for a year and then I’m back to practice law and also to work at the university teaching law and operating a Centre that will be dedicated to issues of social justice, the rule of law and governance.”

Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK