Hamilton Samuel tells OFM News he remains resolute Mkhwebane is unfit to hold office and should be kicked to the curb. Samuel, who is set to sit for a disciplinary hearing on October 12 for writing an open letter expressing his concerns with Mkhwebane’s leadership, says Mkhwebane has brought the Public Protector office into disarray. 

He says Mkhwebane has on several occasions failed to uphold the office's mandate nor do a thorough investigation on various cases. Samuel confirms being placed on suspension has not restored his confidence about Mkhwebane’s interests and capabilities as a public servant, nor changed his mind about her leadership skills.

Samuel was served with a notice of suspension by Mkhwebane on March 11. He told OFM News the controversial multi-million rand Estina Dairy Project in the province is a classic example of how Mkhwebane fails to do her job and prioritises the interests of certain politicians before that of the public.

In response to OFM News’ set of questions, Mkhwebane’s spokesperson Oupa Segalwe, however, said the decision taken against Samuel was not a sanction, but a measure to allow investigations into his conduct to be carried out without any obstructions.

He said Samuel wrote the letter using office resources, including a branded letterhead, and that he abused the office's facilities to pursue his own vendetta and incite staff to turn against the Public Protector.

Segalwe further said Samuel’s suspension came at a time when he was also due to undergo a disciplinary hearing for an unrelated matter, but that he will receive his full pay during the suspension.

With no certainty as to how the disciplinary hearing would unfold nor when he will resume duties, Samuel tells OFM News he believes Mkhwebane should still resign.

OFM News