‘I will continue to protect the public’ – Mkhwebane sworn in as EFF MP

Former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has been sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Speaker’s boardroom in Parliament on Friday.

Ready to serve and protect

Mkhwebane told The Citizen that she was ready to serve the people of South Africa.

“I’m very elated and excited and ready to serve.”

Mkhwebane said she wanted to ensure South Africa was a better place.

“I will continue to protect the public as a Member of Parliament and more now because I will be conducting oversight, which is a constitutional responsibility.

“I will be making sure the seven cardinal pillars of the EFF are implemented,” Mkhwebane said.

ALSO READ: Former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane joins EFF

EFF member

The former Public Protector became the latest member of the red berets this week.

During a media briefing in Kwaggafontein in Mpumalanga on Monday, Mkhwebane vowed to abide by the objectives of the EFF.

“I am fighter Busisiwe Mkhwebane.”

“I will abide by the aims, objectives and radical policies of the Economic Freedom Fighters as set out in the constitution of the EFF. I voluntarily joined the EFF without any motive of personal or material benefit. I understand that I am not entitled to any position or deployment,” Mkhwebane said.

Fired

Mkhwebane was removed from her position as Public Protector before her term ended last month.

She was removed from office after 318 of the 400 MPs voted in favour of the Parliament’s Section 194 Committee Report, while 43 voted against.

At the time, Mkhwebane said she was being targeted for “asking the 31 Phala Phala questions, the CR17 report, the so-called Rogue Unit report and for commenting on the economic impact of the Reserve Bank mandate on the poor”.

Additional reporting: by Vhahangwele Nemakonde

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ALSO READ: ‘Removal of Mkhwebane should serve as lesson for new public protector’ − ANC