Parliament Sets Up Impeachment Committee for Ramaphosa
Background
Parliament is moving forward with a new Section 89 impeachment committee after the Constitutional Court ruled that the earlier process was unlawful. The committee will look into the Phala Phala farm scandal, which involves allegations that foreign currency was stolen from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Limpopo game farm in 2020 and questions about how the matter was handled. The president has denied any wrongdoing.
Committee Composition
The National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, announced a 31‑member panel drawn from 16 parties represented in Parliament. Seat allocation:
- ANC: 9 seats
- DA: 5 seats
- MK Party: 3 seats
- EFF: 2 seats
- Remaining parties (IFP, PA, FF Plus, ActionSA, ACDP, UDM, Rise Mzansi, BOSA, ATM, Al Jama‑ah, NCC, UAT): 1 seat each
Party Nominations So Far
Several parties have already submitted their nominees:
- DA: Parliamentary leader George Michalakis, Chief Whip Glynnis Breytenbach, Deputy Chief Whip Bax Nodada, national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau, and MP Nazley Sharif.
- BOSA: Party leader Mmusi Maimane.
- Rise Mzansi: National Assembly caucus whip Makashule Gana.
- FF Plus: Chief Whip Wouter Wessels.
- MK Party: Parliamentary leader Dr John Hlophe, MP Dr Khanyisile Litchfield‑Tshabalala, and Chief Whip Mmabatho Mokoena‑Zondi.
- ActionSA: Chief Whip Lerato Ngobeni.
- ATM: Party leader Vuyo Zungula.
- IFP: Chief Whip Nhlanhla Hadebe.
- ACDP: MP Wayne Maxim Thring.
- UAT: Leader Dr Wonder Mahlatsi.
The DA has said it will only back Ramaphosa’s removal if the committee finds firm, credible evidence of criminal conduct or serious constitutional violations. BOSA stressed that its participation will be guided by constitutional principles, not politics.
ANC and EFF Still Pending
The ANC and the EFF have not yet named their members for the committee. ANC secretary‑general Fikile Mbalula indicated that ANC MPs will follow the party’s National Executive Committee and are unlikely to vote with opposition parties to remove the president. The EFF has also kept its nominations private, leaving two seats unfilled.
What Happens Next
Once all parties submit their nominee lists, the 31‑member committee will begin its work. Its first task is to decide whether there is enough evidence to launch a full inquiry into the Phala Phala allegations. If the committee finds sufficient grounds, a formal impeachment investigation could proceed; otherwise, the matter may be closed.
Conclusion
The establishment of the impeachment committee marks a key step in South Africa’s parliamentary oversight process. While many parties have already named their representatives, the ANC and EFF’s delay adds uncertainty to how the panel will function. Teen readers should note that the outcome will depend on the evidence the committee uncovers and how each party chooses to act based on its constitutional responsibilities and political stance.
