Monday’s Constitutional Court ruling against Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has divided opinion among South Africans on social media.
In a majority judgement, the Court dismissed Mkhwebane’s appeal against a cost order imposed against her by a high court.
The matter stemmed from her discredited report on ABSA and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB).
R900,000 in costs
Mkhwebane now has to personally pay 15 percent of the costs, which amounts to about R900,000, according to TimesLIVE.
While some said the ruling proves yet against that Mkhwebane is unfit for office, others voiced support for her.
Democratic Alliance (DA) Chief Whip John Steenhuisen was quick to ask the Public Protector if she would be “using EFT, voucher or e-Wallet” to pay the costs.
He also reiterated the DA’s call for a parliamentary inquiry into Mkhwebane’s fitness to hold office.
Given the damning findings of the ConCourt this morning it is imperative that @ParliamentofRSA Speaker ensures that our call for the enquiry into the fitness of the Public Protector to hold office is conducted without delay.
John Steenhuisen
Social media reactions
Many commenters on social media also felt that the Public Protector must be removed from office.
The ConCourt has laid the foundations to remove the PP. She is a danger to that office.she is a liability.she should never have been appointed.
Twitter user Errol
Her continuation as the PP is now totally untenable. If she still has any integrity left, she Must resign immediately.
Otherwise the processes in parliament must begin with earnest. Our PP office Must be protected. I hope the EFF agrees with me.
Twitter user Thabang Motsoshi
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Deputy President Floyd Shivambu seemed to be in agreement with the minority ruling.
Penned by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, it argued that a cost order against Mkhwebane is unjustified.
The #ConCourt judgments that are decided by a Vote are complex. The minority judgment of amongst others, the Chief Justice is quite persuasive, yet lost the vote.
We note & respect the majority judgment on the @PublicProtector case, in the same way we respect electoral outcomes.
Floyd Shivambu
EFF MP Fana Mokoena argued that the ruling doesn’t mean that Mkhwebane should be removed.
Some felt that the ruling has set a bad precedent against the office of the Public Protector.
Future candidates for #PublicProtector office must 1st ensure that they’re billionaires before assuming their responsibilities, because they run the risk of personal costs if their Remedial Actions are successfully challenged. Mogoeng CJ is correct.
Twitter user Mr Mohlala