DA refers Mkhwebane to Ethics Committee over Indian ‘racial slurs’

Impeached public protector and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Busisiwe Mkhwebane is expected to face a complaint as the Democratic Alliance (DA) plans to refer her alleged “racial slurs” to Parliament’s Ethics Committee.

The DA’s complaint is based on a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), in which Mkhwebane made “derogatory, racist and unsubstantiated” accusations against individuals of Indian descent and parliamentary staff, blaming them for her repeated failures to convince the courts of the merit of her legal actions.

Mkhwebane accused individuals of “predominantly Indian descent” of “persecuting” her.

Code of conduct

DA chief whip George Michalakis said the Code of Conduct for members of the National Assembly requires members to abide by their Oath of Office to uphold the Constitution and laws of the Republic.

“It further bars members from using social media to bring Parliament into disrepute when using, engaging in or communicating content on social media platforms

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“The DA will submit an affidavit to the Registrar of Parliament requesting the Ethics Committee, once constituted, to investigate this matter to make a ruling and impose an appropriate sanction on Mkhwebane,” Michalaki said.

Michalaki said the “DA will not allow such remarks attacking the dignity of a particular race group.”

‘Racial remarks’

Mkhwebane made the remarks in reaction to the dismissal of her appeal in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA).

Last week, the SCA struck from the roll Mkhwebane’s leave to appeal application against a previous ruling by the Western Cape High Court. She was arguing for the recusal of certain members in the committee that removed her as a public protector.

She claimed Judge Visvanathan Ponnan displayed “noticeable arrogance and dismissiveness” throughout the August proceedings.

“My ongoing struggle has consistently involved key figures, predominantly of Indian descent, who have positioned themselves as my persecutors. These individuals include Pravin Gordhan, Bawa (Evidence Leader), Adhikarie (Chief Legal Adviser of Parliament), Hassan Ebrahim (so-called expert witness), Ivan Pillay (Witness), and Fatima Ebrahim (Legal Adviser of Parliament). Judge Poonan’s (sic) attitude further underscores the challenges and biases I have faced in my quest for justice,” she posted on X.

Remarks condemned

Parliament and other political parties have condemned Mkhwebane’s “racial slurs” against people of Indian descent.

The Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) also condemned Mkhwebane’s racial remarks and wants National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza to take action against her.

FF Plus MP and chief spokesperson on justice Heloïse Denner said the “unfounded criticism and racist remarks”  by Mkhwebane were “shockingly inappropriate.”

ALSO READ: Calls for investigation into Mkhwebane’s alleged racial ‘slurs’