President Cyril Ramaphosa has objected to Advocate Thandazani Madonsela’s appointment as evidence leader for Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee.
The committee’s majority voted two weeks ago to recommend Madonsela for the position. Nine MPs supported his appointment, seven backed Advocate Kate Hofmeyr SC and 11 abstained.
Ramaphosa Objects To Madonsela Appointment
Committee chairperson Makashule Gana confirmed that his office received a letter from the President on Tuesday. Ramaphosa’s office raised concerns about a possible conflict of interest involving Madonsela.
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“We are currently studying the contents and consulting with legal services to see the options available to us in terms of how best to respond to this. We would like to have an evidence leader appointed and confirmed as soon as possible,” Gana said.
Madonsela Appointment Faces Conflict Of Interest Concerns
In the letter, Ramaphosa referred to his decision to remove Madonsela from the Judicial Service Commission in 2022.
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The President also pointed to Madonsela’s recent legal advice to the ANC on matters connected to the impeachment inquiry. Ramaphosa argues that this could mean Madonsela already has knowledge of issues that may come before the committee.
The Section 89 Committee is investigating the Phala Phala farm scandal involving the President. Last month, the Western Cape High Court granted Ramaphosa an urgent interdict halting the committee’s public hearings. The committee is now considering its options following the President’s objection to Madonsela’s appointment.
