Helen Zille, the federal chairperson of the Democratic Alliance (DA), has once again brought to the forefront the controversial tenure of Busisiwe Mkhwebane as Public Protector. Zille did not hold back in her criticism, arguing that while Mkhwebane portrayed herself as a defender of public rights and accountability, her actions suggested otherwise. According to Zille, Mkhwebane was not the champion of justice she claimed to be. Instead, Zille alleges that she was an extension of former President Jacob Zuma’s infamous “state capture” project.
Zille’s remarks underscore the contentious debate surrounding Mkhwebane’s legacy. Appointed as Public Protector, Mkhwebane was entrusted with upholding the rights of citizens and ensuring that public officials were held accountable. However, her tenure was marked by numerous legal battles, overturned rulings, and accusations of bias. Critics, like Zille, argue that Mkhwebane’s role was compromised by her alleged alignment with Zuma’s administration, which was embroiled in accusations of state capture — a term used to describe the undue influence that certain private entities had over government decision-making during Zuma’s presidency.
Busisiwe Mkhwebane styles her self as a "protector of public rights and accountability". She was the exact opposite as Public Protector. She was an extension of Jacob Zuma's "state capture" project. https://t.co/YuqFjzDsk3
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) October 3, 2024
Zille’s statement paints Mkhwebane as a key figure in enabling the very corruption she was supposed to combat. By aligning herself with the state capture project, Zille suggests that Mkhwebane not only failed in her duty but actively undermined the principles of transparency and accountability. This criticism has reignited discussions about the integrity of key institutions in South Africa and the impact of political interference on their operations.
The ongoing debate surrounding Mkhwebane’s performance reflects broader concerns about how deeply state capture affected various branches of government. While Mkhwebane and her supporters may defend her record, Zille’s comments are part of a growing narrative that positions her as a participant in one of South Africa’s most controversial political periods.