South African Parliament Elects Impeachment Committee Chairperson

The South African Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee has elected RISE Mzansi MP Makashule Gana as its chairperson, marking the beginning of the committee’s work in considering whether President Cyril Ramaphosa should face impeachment over the Phala Phala scandal. The committee, established by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, has been tasked with investigating whether Ramaphosa violated the Constitution or engaged in misconduct in the scandal that saw $580,000 stolen from his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo.

Election of the Chairperson

Gana received 19 votes, defeating United African Transformation (UAT) leader Wonderboy Mahlatse, who secured 12 votes. The election was a significant moment in the impeachment process, with Gana’s nomination being backed by parties aligned with the government of national unity (GNU), many of which have opposed calls for Ramaphosa’s impeachment. Mahlatse, on the other hand, was supported by opposition parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, which have called for the president’s removal.

According to Parliamentary Communication Services officer Faith Ndenze, the election marked the start of the committee’s work. The committee will now turn its attention to determining its programme of work and the next steps in the inquiry process. Details of future meetings and activities will be communicated in due course. Gana said after his election, “We will be in communication with all the members of the committee in terms of the next processes to be taken. The meeting is adjourned.”

Committee Composition

The committee’s composition is based on proportional party representation, with the inclusion of smaller parties. The African National Congress (ANC) holds nine seats on the committee, the Democratic Alliance (DA) five, and the MK Party three. The EFF has two seats, while 12 smaller parties, among them the Inkatha Freedom Party, Patriotic Alliance, ActionSA, Freedom Front Plus, RISE Mzansi, and Build One South Africa, each hold one seat.

Phala Phala Scandal

The Phala Phala scandal revolves around the theft of $580,000 from Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo. An independent panel found prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa might have committed serious violations of the Constitution and the law in relation to the stolen foreign currency. Ramaphosa has stated that he would not oppose the interim findings of the impeachment committee, but he is challenging the Phala Phala independent panel’s report in the Western Cape High Court, arguing that the panel misunderstood its mandate and the legal threshold required under section 89 of the Constitution.

Key Players and Parties

• African National Congress (ANC): Holds nine seats on the committee and has opposed calls for Ramaphosa’s impeachment.
• Democratic Alliance (DA): Holds five seats on the committee and has been a key player in the impeachment process.
• Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF): Holds two seats on the committee and has called for Ramaphosa’s removal.
• United African Transformation (UAT): Leader Wonderboy Mahlatse was defeated in the election for chairperson.
• RISE Mzansi: MP Makashule Gana was elected chairperson of the committee.

The impeachment committee’s work is expected to be closely watched, with the outcome having significant implications for Ramaphosa’s presidency and the future of South African politics. As the committee begins its work, it remains to be seen how the process will unfold and what the ultimate outcome will be.