Holding Those In Power Accountable

When Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane worked as a senior investigator and subsequently head of operations in Gauteng (at the Office of the Public Protector), the thought of leading the institution was a bridge too far for her.

- Albert Pule

A little more than a decade down the line, Advocate Mkhwebane is heading the Chapter 9 institution. 

A graduate of the former University of the North (now University of Limpopo) Advocate Mkhwebane is South Africa’s fourth Public Protector and the second woman to lead the institution, taking over from Advocate Thuli Madonsela, who stepped down after a seven-year term in October 2016.

A busy time

In a recent interview with PSM, Advocate Mkhwebane says since taking the helm, the number of complaints lodged with her office has increased. 

The Office of the Public Protector has the powers to investigate any conduct in state affairs or in public administration at any sphere of government that is alleged to be improper or to result in any impropriety or prejudice. 

“It has been quite a busy time on the investigations front. Internal statistics show that the quarter ending December 31 of 2016, was busier compared to the three months preceding it.

“The total workload for the quarter under review was 7 556 matters compared to 7 147 in the previous quarter.” She adds that the increased number of cases is a result of the work done by her predecessor and the team working for the office. 

“The work that my predecessor has done with the team has elevated the office to another level and people are more informed about the mandate of the Public Protector.” 

Of the 7 556 cases, 2 083 were finalised and 5 365 were carried over to the current quarter for further investigation.

Highlights and challenges

Advocate Mkhwebane says the journey so far has been a mixture of turbulence and smooth sailing.