While many people might be wondering as to how life is like these days for former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, Tshwane Talks can reveal that she is patron and founder of the Busisiwe Mkhwebane Foundation and is very happy to be a member of the MK Party.
But she hastened to point out that there are administrators who are actively running the foundation in a full-time basis on her behalf, this as she is constrained by Parliamentary duties as an MK Party member in Cape Town.
“The Busisiwe Mkhwebane Foundation was actually formed in September 2022 and its primary aim is to empower black professionals and SMMEs, and we have made significant strides in shedding light on the systemic challenges faced by black professionals and the persecution they endure solely because of their race,” she explained.
“Our organisation has been instrumental in supporting SMMEs in the construction industry by helping them to navigate the complexities of tender processes and fighting against manipulation and unfair practices,” she said.
Mkhwebane said although her foundation has made remarkable progress in its endeavours, “we encounter numerous challenges as a foundation advocating for black empowerment and these challenges include securing funding, because many organisations (funders) are hesitant to support causes that address the plight of black professionals,” lamented Mkhwebane.
“Furthermore, our foundation’s name (Mkhwebane) is often under scrutiny, and many people still misunderstand the persecution I suffered during my time as Public Protector,” explained Mkhwebane.
The former Public Protector said in order to address the aforesaid misconceptions regarding the reputation of her foundation, the foundation will continue in its advocacy and education efforts to the public and highlight the importance of the work done by her foundation.
She believes that by raising awareness about the systemic barriers faced by black professionals and SMMEs the BM Foundation remains dedicated in its mission to empower black professionals and SMMEs, promoting economic transformation, and fighting against injustices, and we will continue to push for more and more equitable society where black professionals and entrepreneurs have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed,” she said.
Asked how it feels like being a politician rather than a Public Protector, an enthusiastic Mkhwebane responded as follows:
“Being a politician often involves navigating complex political landscapes, whereby every action is scrutinised; knowing that all decisions are inherently political because politicians serve as voices of the voiceless and strive to represent the people’s interests while facing criticism.”
She added that politicians work to implement policies and changes that can significantly impact society and they balance various stakeholders’ needs and expectations.
“On the other hand, as a Public Protector one’s role is more focused on safeguarding the public’s rights and interests, ensuring governmental transparency, a countability and fairness,” she explained.
Mkhwebane said though approaches to these roles may differ, the bottom line is that they are both people-centred.
“Asked whether she had any regrets quitting the EFF in order to join the MK Party, the former Public Protector responded as follows:
“I am very happy and do not have any regrets about leaving the EFF because MK Party’s ideology is also progressive and the responsibilities given to me there are very engaging and at par with my experience.”
Mkhwebane said she left the EFF due to personal reasons, which she would not disclose to Tshwane Talks.
Asked whether she would appeal a recent court decision which endorsed her rival, businesswoman Mary Phadi as convener of the MK Party in Mpumalanga instead of her, Advocate Mkhwebane responded as follows:
“The case brought to court by Mary Phadi was actually against the MK Party and not myself per se and it is being dealt with by the party not me.”
Mkhwebane then added:
“Mary Phadi has been suspended again from the party’s activities for her behaviour and the President (Zuma) has appointed me as convener of the MK Party in Mpumalanga Province.”