Will South Africa's Public Protector be Removed?

The likelihood of success in removing Busisiwe Mkhwebane is slim because the decision to be made is ultimately a party-political one, writes Omphemetse S Sibanda for Daily Maverick, who speculates that impeachment proceedings against the Public Protector will play out along partisan lines following indications that the African National Congress (ANC) - spurred by secretary-general Ace Magashule - and the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters will lead her defence in the National Assembly.

This comes after the embattled ombudswoman faced accusations of perjury over her SA Reserve Bank investigation in court and a finding by the Independent Review Panel to institute removal proceedings against her. Mkhwebane's tenure has faced controversy over multiple cases which include her investigation into an alleged 'rogue' unit in the South African Revenue Service (SARS), her recommendation for remedial action against Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan for his "improper conduct" of approving former SARS deputy commissioner Ivan Pillay's early retirement and a challenge by President Cyril Ramaphosa who called on Mkhwebane to explain how she managed to obtain his private emails surrounding his CR17 campaign for the leadership of the ANC.