In the opinion pages today, TimesLIVE writes that the testimony presented so far at the parliamentary impeachment proceedings against Busisiwe Mkhwebane has been shockingly alarming. Justice Malala looks at the way social media can frame our political discourse in a way that is removed from reality.
EDITORIAL | The evidence against Mkhwebane has so far been disturbing – TimesLIVE Premium (for subscribers)
The evidence presented thus far before parliaments section 194 inquiry into suspended public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s fitness to hold office is damning, writes TimesLIVE.
There are still plenty of witnesses to come but the testimony offered up should set off alarm bells as we desperately try to defend the independence of our Chapter Nine institutions.
Former senior investigator in the public protector’s office, Tebogo Kekana testified that the State Security Agency influenced the final CIEX investigation report where the public protector recommended parliament amend the Reserve Bank’s mandate.
Similarly, former Sars executive Johann van Loggerenberg gave the public protector a stack of evidence pointing to state capture in 2016 but it was ignored when Mkhwebane released her report on the so-called “Sars Rogue Unit” in 2019. Read more here.
JUSTICE MALALA: Flying a false flag – Financial Mail (for subscribers)
Political commentator Justice Malala writes that if aliens were to visit Earth and use social media as a guide for South Africa they would surely think Jacob Zuma is the victim of a vast conspiracy, Busisiwe Mkhwebane is more than capable of doing her job, and that President Cyril Ramaphosa is about to booted from office.
Malala uses the example of a small march that happened last week Friday as a few disgruntled ANC supporters demanded that Ramaphosa be removed from office within the next 48 hours.
The coverage of the event by media houses that are anti-Ramaphosa and on social media made it seem as though there was plenty of support for the march given the hashtags that began trending on Twitter to the effect of Cyril Must Go.
But when Malala gave the march some closer inspection, it is clear that there were very few people at the march. Read more here.
Here’s what else we are reading today:
NATASHA MARRIAN: A public protector prepares to perish – Financial Mail (for subscribers)
SA’s second transition is upon us and the only question is: Who will replace the ANC? – Daily Maverick
EUSEBIUS MCKAISER | The SACP is a political ancestor just like its ancient leadership – TimesLIVE Premium (for subscribers)
Mbhazima Shilowa | The SACP – an independent force of the left or ANC parasite? – News24 (for subscribers)
Bring back the old pros at Eskom – The Citizen (for subscribers)
EXPLAINER | Ramaphosa not first post-apartheid president to be subpoenaed. Why does it matter now? – News24 (for subscribers)
TOBY SHAPSHAK: The MTN tail chases the Telkom dog – Financial Mail (for subscribers)
Image Credit: Antonio Muchave
