The Democratic Alliance (DA) has swiftly announced the five Members of Parliament who will represent the party in the parliamentary impeachment inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala matter.
Newly appointed parliamentary leader George Michalakis will serve on the committee alongside veteran legal expert Glynnis Breytenbach.
The appointments follow National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza’s request for political parties to submit nominees to the committee, which will investigate findings related to the theft of foreign currency from Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in 2020.
DA Finalises Team For Parliamentary Phala Phala Probe
The DA says its role in the inquiry reflects its constitutional responsibility as the second-largest party in South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) to hold the executive to account.
Joining Michalakis and Breytenbach on the committee are deputy chief whip Bax Nodada, national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau and MP Nazley Sharif.
The five MPs will represent the party on the 31-member impeachment committee, which is expected to play a central role in Parliament’s investigation.
Constitutional Court Orders Parliament To Investigate Section 89 Findings
Last week, South Africa’s Constitutional Court of South Africa ruled that Parliament must investigate the findings of a Section 89 independent panel.
The panel previously concluded that President Ramaphosa has a case to answer regarding the theft of US dollars hidden at his farm.
Explaining the party’s position, Nodada said, “On the Phala Phala matter, the DA has been clear. Where there is a finding of wrongdoing against the president, the DA will hold him accountable as we’ve done with various members of Cabinet.”
[ANC Dismisses Resignation Rumours As Cyril Ramaphosa Set To Lead Until 2027]
On Friday, Fikile Mbalula, secretary-general of the African National Congress (ANC), said the governing party was still finalising the names of its nine representatives.
Political parties have until next Friday to submit their nominations to the Speaker’s office.
