Busisiwe Mkhwebane, once South Africa’s top legal watchdog, is back in the headlines this time for all the wrong reasons. The Legal Practice Council (LPC) has announced plans to drag the former Public Protector to court in a bid to have her disbarred. This latest twist in Mkhwebane’s controversial career could spell the end of her legal journey, and it’s sending ripples through both the political and legal worlds.
Mkhwebane, who made history in September 2023 as the first Public Protector to be impeached and removed by Parliament, is no stranger to scandal. After her dramatic exit from office, she quickly pivoted into politics, briefly joining the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as a Member of Parliament before jumping ship in late 2024 to join the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party a political force tied closely to former President Jacob Zuma.
Currently serving as the MK Party’s Mpumalanga Provincial Convenor, Mkhwebane’s new role hasn’t come without turbulence. Her appointment ignited internal party strife, with businesswoman Mary Phadi and her faction openly challenging Mkhwebane’s authority.
Now, the LPC’s decision to pursue legal action could turn up the heat even more. Although the council hasn’t released full details, the move follows years of scrutiny, including a 2019 complaint that accused Mkhwebane of lying under oath. While a previous court bid in 2020 to have her declared unfit failed, this fresh legal offensive suggests the gloves are finally off.
As the legal drama unfolds, South Africans are left watching a high-stakes clash that merges political ambition with professional accountability. Mkhwebane’s rise and fall continue to captivate a nation familiar with power struggles—but the next chapter could prove to be her most dramatic yet.
