What’s Happening in Parliament?

Speaker Thoko Didiza’s Reassurance

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza told reporters that there is nothing to worry about. She says Parliament is doing its job and following the court’s orders.

Why the Tension?

The Impeachment Committee is feeling uneasy. The Democratic Alliance (DA) wants the parliamentary legal team to give a clear opinion on whether Didiza’s meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s lawyers could affect the process.

DA’s Concerns

• George Michalakis, DA parliamentary leader, asked if Didiza sought legal advice before moving forward with Ramaphosa’s review application.
• He heard rumors that Didiza met with the president’s legal advisors.
• Michalakis worries that such a meeting could bias the Speaker and give opponents a reason to challenge any decision.

Legal Advisors’ Response

State law advisor Andrew Breytenbach said he cannot comment on whether Didiza met with the president’s team. He told the committee to take the question directly to the Speaker.

Different Views from Other Parties

ANC’s Perspective

ANC MP Mikateko Mahlaule pointed out that the court already ordered Didiza to release the Independent Panel report and send it to the Rules Committee. He argues that questioning her impartiality now is irrelevant because the matter is not before Parliament.

MK Party’s Take

MK Party MP Mzwanele Manyi agreed with Michalakis’s anxiety, saying the issue could be bigger than it looks. He worries that if the meeting did happen, it might have far‑reaching consequences.

Didiza’s Side of the Story

Michalakis said he wrote to Didiza and she did not deny the meeting. In her reply, she stated that the meeting was part of fulfilling her Constitutional Court duties.

Didiza later told journalists that she has complied with the court judgment and sees no reason for concern. She explained:

• The court found Rule 129I unconstitutional and set it aside.
• Parliament must now follow the corrected process: send the panel’s report to the Impeachment Committee, not directly to the House.
• They are waiting for Ramaphosa’s court application and will seek legal advice as needed.

What Happens Next?

• The Impeachment Committee will continue reviewing the panel’s report.
• Legal advisors may be asked to give an opinion on whether Didiza’s meeting creates a conflict of interest.
• Depending on any legal advice, the committee could decide if Didiza should step aside or continue presiding.

Bottom Line

While Speaker Didiza insists everything is under control, the DA and some opposition members remain uneasy about a possible meeting with the president’s legal team. The coming days will show whether legal opinions clarify the situation or if further steps are needed to protect the integrity of the impeachment process.