Economics
Once-Lauded South African Anti-Graft Body Falls From Grace
- Public Protector’s decisions often end up in court challenges
- Ombudsman’s office calls criticism politically motivated
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The South African agency that spearheaded investigations into corruption during former President Jacob Zuma’s scandal-marred administration is suffering a credibility crisis.
Since Busisiwe Mkhwebane, 49, took over the office, she’s been accused of bias by the High Court, and almost a third of the reports issued during her tenure are facing legal challenges. The ombudsman’s failing reputation has robbed Zuma’s successor, Cyril Ramaphosa, of a key weapon to fight graft and restore investor confidence in Africa’s most-industrialized economy. Only parliament has the power to remove her.