06 October 2016
Corruption Watch congratulates Advocate Busisiwe Joyce Mkhwebane on her appointment as the new public protector. Mkhwebane was officially appointed today by President Jacob Zuma. Her seven-year term takes effect on 15 October 2016.
Early this year, Corruption Watch launched a mass public awareness campaign, Bua Mzansi, aimed at ensuring that the selection process of the next public protector was not only transparent but was largely influenced by the public.
The organisation also launched an online and SMS voting tool for the public to indicate whether or not they had confidence in Mkhwebane’s appointment with the vast majority (87%) of the respondents supporting her appointment.
David Lewis, the executive director of Corruption Watch, commented: “We are extremely encouraged by the massive public interest in the appointment of the new public protector. This level of public scrutiny bodes well for the future of this critically important institution that is precisely charged with guarding and advancing the interests of the public.”
Corruption Watch would also like to extend its heartfelt thanks to outgoing public protector Thuli Madonsela, who worked closely and willingly with the organisation and who has actively encouraged and enabled civil society participation in tackling corruption. We salute her on her exceptional work during her time in office, and wish her everything of the best in the next chapter of her career.
Contact:
Patience Mkosana 072 992 8380
E-mail: patiencem@corruptionwatch.org.za
