Lead investigator of public protector’s Absa report has quit

Joining a slew of staff that have resigned from the public protector’s office is Advocate Tshiwalule Livhuwani, who was listed as the lead investigator who assisted Mkhwebane in putting together the report last year on the alleged apartheid-era bailouts of several companies who were given “lifeboats”.

The draft document into investigations about how the Reserve bank loaned R.,5 billion to Bankorp, which was later bought out by Absa, has caused a stir, as the report recommends the bank should pay back R2.2 billion in interest on the capital amount of the loan.

According to Huffington Post, Livhuwani started his new position in the ombudsman’s office on January 3, and this was confirmed by Tony Taverna-Turisa, the city’s chief director of communication.

“It is part of our efforts to build the [City of Joburg’s] capacity to deal with corruption and complaints. Sibiya has already started making inroads, while we are now strengthening the ombudsman’s office, which is a key channel between the City and its residents.”

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Livhuwani’s resignation follows the departure of the former chief of staff, Bonginkosi Dhlamini, whose contract was terminated in December. Dhlamini is challenging this at the CCMA and has reportedly described Mkhwebane as a “heartless” person who “hated” her predecessor, Thuli Madonsela.

Janine Hicks, a former special adviser who worked under Thuli Madonsela, also had her contract abruptly ended but successfully won her case at the CCMA against Mkhwebane, who was instructed to pay her for the remainder of the contract.

Belinda Moses, a former communications specialist, has also left the office after a debacle in which she was allegedly left stranded in Durban after attending a work event.

Meanwhile, public protector spokesperson Oupa Segalwe said the culprit had been identified in the Absa report leak. According to him, a staffer mistakenly sent the entire draft report to all the affected parties, one of whom sent it to the Mail and Guardian.

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