Magashule calls on ANC MPs to block process to impeach Mkhwebane from office – report

ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule has reportedly called on the governing party’s MPs to block the DA’s motion in the National Assembly to establish an impeachment inquiry into Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane.

This after an independent review panel established by Parliament last year found prima facie evidence of incompetence and misconduct against the Public Protector.

MPs are expected this month to vote on establishing the inquiry into Mkhwebane’s fitness to hold office.

ALSO READ: Mkhwebane’s head is on the chopping block

In an interview with the Sunday Times on Saturday, Magashule said principled ANC MPs would not vote in support of the motion brought by the official opposition party.

“Officially I can say there is no way the ANC can support the enemy of the revolution, the DA. We can’t vote with the DA on principle matters,” Magashule was quoted as saying.

He said the DA’s motion was part of the opposition’s strategy to divide the ANC, particularly its leader John Steenhuisen’s recent remarks on the realignment of SA politics and working with “reformers” inside the ANC.

“They are trying their luck. We can see the tactics of trying to divide the ANC … saying they can work with president Ramaphosa. There is only one ANC. Ramaphosa is part of us, he’s part of ANC. The DA must stop its dirty tricks. It will fail in dividing the ANC,” Magashule told the paper.

ALSO READ: ‘Mkhwebane will finish her seven-year term,’ says EFF’s Floyd Shivambu

According to the report, Magashule’s views are expected to be challenged at the ANC’s national working committee (NWC) meeting on Monday by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s supporters who are likely to push for the public protector’s impeachment.

Some ANC MPs have expressed their support for Mkhwebane, while the ANC Women’s League and the Umkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) have thrown their weight behind her too.

At the same time, EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu on Monday vowed that Mkhwebane will complete her seven-year term as the country’s Public Protector, despite the findings of the review panel.

DA chief whip Natasha Mazzone called on Parliament to institute the removal proceedings without delay.

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