Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane, a prominent figure in South African politics and the former Public Protector, has officially resigned from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Her departure was first revealed during an episode of Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh’s podcast, SMWX, where she announced that she would be stepping down from the party and Parliament.
Mkhwebane explained that one of the primary reasons for her decision to leave the EFF was her perception that her skills and expertise were not being fully utilized. Reflecting on her time as an EFF Member of Parliament (MP), she expressed her frustration with her inability to make a meaningful impact in her current role, especially when compared to her previous tenure as Public Protector. “The impact I used to make as a Public Protector is not the impact I’m currently making,” Mkhwebane said. As an ordinary MP, she was assigned to the Justice and Constitutional Development portfolio committee.
Mkhwebane’s political journey took a turn after she was impeached from her position as Public Protector, a process that led her to seek refuge in the EFF. However, despite the party’s support during this challenging period, she felt that her current position in Parliament did not allow her to contribute effectively to the public sphere.
In her interview, Mkhwebane hinted at the possibility of joining another political party. She mentioned that the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party had approached her several times, even before Floyd Shivambu, former EFF deputy president, left the party to join MK. While Mkhwebane has not made a final decision about her next political move, she acknowledged the ongoing courtship from the MK party and left the door open to the possibility of joining them. “I don’t have anything against them. It will depend on whether they are still interested,” she said.
Mkhwebane also candidly admitted that her transition into active politics has been a learning experience. She acknowledged that politics moves at a different pace than her previous work as Public Protector, and she is still navigating its complexities. Furthermore, she expressed disappointment in her inability to bring about meaningful changes in people’s lives through her role in Parliament. “Being in Parliament is terrible because when you don’t have numbers, there’s nothing you can do,” she said, emphasizing how political alliances between major parties, such as the ANC and DA, often render smaller parties ineffective.
In a letter addressed to EFF leader Julius Malema, Mkhwebane extended her gratitude for the party’s support during her time of need. She praised Malema and the party for offering her a political home when she needed it most, but ultimately decided it was time to step back and focus on her personal life. “Now, it’s time for me to focus on spending cherished moments with my family,” Mkhwebane wrote in her letter.
Mkhwebane’s resignation follows a growing trend of high-profile departures from the EFF, including Floyd Shivambu, who left the party to join the MK party earlier in August. While her next steps in politics remain unclear, her departure signals a significant shift in her career as she prepares for a new chapter.
As the former Public Protector reflects on her impact and future political ambitions, her resignation marks the end of a tumultuous chapter with the EFF and opens the door for new possibilities.