Busisiwe Mkhwebane's R10 Million Gratuity Bid Fails In Court
- Ex-Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane was unsuccessful in her attempt to secure an R10 million gratuity from her former employer.
- Incumbent Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka opposed her claim, leading Mkhwebane to challenge the decision in court.
- The Gauteng High Court dismissed her case, labeling the idea of granting her the gratuity as nonsensical.
With over seven years of experience at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News, Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist, provides deep insights into South African politics, governance at national, provincial, and local levels, the Government of National Unity, political parties, and the workings of Parliament.
JOHANNESBURG — Former Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s hopes of receiving a slice of the R10 million gratuity she sought have officially been dashed. The court ruled decisively against her, leaving her empty-handed in her legal battle.
Why Mkhwebane’s Bid for Gratuity Fell Flat
On October 9, 2024, Mkhwebane stood before the Gauteng High Court, hoping to secure the gratuity she believed she was entitled to. However, Judge Omphemetse Mooki had other thoughts. In delivering the verdict, the judge emphasized that granting such a gratuity to Mkhwebane would be nothing short of absurd. After all, Mkhwebane was impeached in 2023 and subsequently dismissed from her office, making her case for a reward seem highly questionable. The court was clear: rewarding someone who faced such disciplinary action would contradict the principles of accountability and integrity the position of Public Protector is supposed to uphold.
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This legal tussle began when Mkhwebane filed an application in court after the current Public Protector Advocate, Kholeka Gcaleka, refused to honor her claim. Unyielding in her pursuit, Mkhwebane attempted to appeal the decision but ultimately failed to sway the judges. Her argument, while passionately presented, simply didn’t hold water in the eyes of the court.
South Africans React: The Online Backlash Against Mkhwebane
As news of the court’s decision spread, South Africans took to social media, particularly Facebook, to voice their opinions. The verdict sparked a lively debate, with many users expressing their thoughts on Mkhwebane’s actions and the implications for accountability in public office.
David Mahlangu succinctly captured the sentiment of many when he commented:
"She will never win this case."
Bongani Zwane offered a more political perspective:
"This is what happens when you show the ANC the middle finger and join the EFF. Now they're showing her exactly where the sun sets."
Tumelo Bandile weighed in with a critique of the judiciary:
"The outcome was never in doubt. With the current judiciary, the result of cases like this is always predictable."
Lwazi Cedric Mamba voiced concerns about leadership priorities:
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"All they care about is enriching themselves. Helping the country or its people doesn't seem to be on their radar. Passion for the job? That's a foreign concept to them."
Zimasa Zanemfundo Kondile had harsh words for both Mkhwebane and her legal team:
"Mkhwebane and Dali Mpofu need to step back and revisit the basics of the law. Their incompetence is glaring."
Mkhwebane Weighs In on the Miss SA Controversy
Beyond her legal battles, Mkhwebane has been vocal on other public issues. In a separate article, Briefly News highlighted her stance on the Miss SA 2024 controversy involving former contestant Chidimma Adetshina. Mkhwebane stood firmly by Adetshina, arguing that her South African citizenship, established by her birth in the country, should be enough to warrant support. Her defense of Adetshina reflects her broader approach to advocating for individuals she perceives as being treated unfairly, even as she faces her own challenges in the public eye.
While Mkhwebane continues to engage in public discourse, her recent legal setback serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of navigating the corridors of power in South Africa. Whether it’s battling for gratuities or defending beauty pageant contestants, Mkhwebane remains a polarizing figure in the national conversation.
