Opposition parties are calling for tighter rules governing the Section 89 inquiry, insisting that President Cyril Ramaphosa should be required to appear before the Impeachment Committee in person rather than being allowed to provide evidence through a representative.
The demand emerged during a meeting of the committee on Wednesday, where members discussed the draft terms of reference that will guide the inquiry into events linked to the theft of US dollars from Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in 2020.
Committee members have been presented with a draft document spanning almost 40 pages. Political parties are now reviewing the proposed framework before submitting amendments.
Opposition Parties Seek Stronger Rules On Ramaphosa’s Appearance
Several parties argued that the current wording of the draft terms of reference does not clearly compel the President to personally appear before the committee.
With an interdict application currently before the Western Cape High Court, National Coloured Congress (NCC) leader Fadiel Adams said the President appeared determined to avoid participating in the process.
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“We must remember that his excellency the President is still only a citizen of this country, and we can’t leave a backdoor open for him to want to avoid or enable him to avoid accountability in this committee.”
Adams maintained that the committee should ensure there is no ambiguity regarding the President’s obligation to appear and account for matters under investigation.
MK Party Says President Must Answer Questions Directly
MK Party representative John Hlophe also backed calls for Ramaphosa to testify personally, saying key questions surrounding the Phala Phala matter could only be addressed by the President himself.
According to Hlophe, the President cannot decline to provide testimony if required by the committee.
“If there’s a case to answer, and he refuses to testify, an adverse inference can be drawn against him in law. That’s how law operates.”
The committee is expected to continue refining its terms of reference before formally adopting them.
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Political parties have until 10 July to submit their recommendations and proposed changes to the draft terms of reference.
The final document will determine how the Section 89 inquiry proceeds as Parliament examines the circumstances surrounding the Phala Phala farm theft and related events.
