Parliamentarians have expressed growing frustration over the lengthy processes required before an impeachment inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa can officially begin.
A parliamentary rules sub-committee received legal advice from private counsel on Thursday night following the Constitutional Court ruling delivered two weeks ago. The judgment compels the National Assembly to establish an impeachment committee linked to the theft of US dollars from Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm.
However, MPs emerging from the meeting indicated that the amount of procedural groundwork still required could significantly delay the start of the inquiry.
Parliament Faces Lengthy Process Before Phala Phala Inquiry Begins
Advocate Andrew Breitenbach told MPs that Parliament could not afford unnecessary delays in setting up the impeachment committee.
Despite this, he outlined several issues lawmakers would first need to resolve and include in the inquiry’s governing rules. These include determining the format of proceedings, whether an evidence leader will be appointed, if MPs may nominate witnesses, how witnesses will be questioned, and the extent of public participation in the process.
The Times Post understands that lawmakers are increasingly concerned that procedural debates could overshadow efforts to launch the inquiry itself.
uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party MP Mzwanele Manyi voiced frustration over the possible timeline.
“If we are taking the route that we are being advised here, it means that nothing is going to happen for the rest of this year.”
Political Parties Concerned About Delays To Ramaphosa Impeachment Proceedings
Rise Mzansi MP Makashule Gana warned that the rule-making process alone could consume several months if Parliament does not accelerate proceedings.
“We might spend 3-6 months just on the process itself.”
Democratic Alliance parliamentary leader George Michalakis said prolonged delays risk damaging Parliament’s credibility in the eyes of the public.
[Ramaphosa Impeachment Committee Takes Shape As Parties Nominate Reps]
“At this rate, I will be dead by the time this impeachment hearing happens.”
Political parties have until Tuesday to submit proposals on the draft rules. The parliamentary rules sub-committee is expected to reconvene next Friday to discuss the next steps in the process.
