Parliament’s committee tasked with deciding whether President Cyril Ramaphosa violated his oath of office is beginning to take shape as political parties submit the names of their representatives.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has confirmed that its parliamentary leader, John Hlophe, will head the party’s delegation to the committee.
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Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC), which has been allocated the largest number of seats, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the second-largest opposition party, have yet to announce their nominees.
Sixteen of the 18 political parties represented in Parliament will take part in the 31-member committee, which will examine whether there are grounds to proceed with impeachment proceedings against the president.
The committee will review the findings of an independent panel report compiled in 2022. The report concluded that Ramaphosa may have a case to answer regarding the large sum of foreign currency concealed in furniture at his Phala Phala game farm and the subsequent response after the money was stolen.
MK Party Appoints John Hlophe To Lead Phala Phala Inquiry
As the official opposition, the MK Party will be represented by Hlophe, who was impeached by Parliament two years ago during his tenure as a judge.
He will be joined by the party’s new chief whip, Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi, and Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala.
The inclusion of Hlophe places a former judge at the forefront of a politically significant process that will assess one of the most contentious matters facing Ramaphosa’s presidency.
DA, BOSA And Other Parties Confirm Their Representatives
Several smaller parties have already submitted their nominations.
The Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) will be represented by Wouter Wessels. Build One South Africa (BOSA) has nominated its leader, Mmusi Maimane, while Rise Mzansi will be represented by Makashule Gana.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has named a five-member delegation led by its parliamentary leader, George Michalakis.
The DA team also includes chief whip Glynnis Breytenbach, deputy chief whip Baxolile Nodada, party spokesperson Karabo Khakhau and Nazley Sharif.
Ramaphosa May Seek Court Interdict Against Section 89 Committee
Political parties have until Friday to submit the names of their representatives to Parliament Speaker Thoko Didiza.
It remains unclear when the committee will convene for the first time.
Reports suggest that Ramaphosa intends to seek an interdict to halt the committee’s work while he pursues a judicial review of the Section 89 panel report.
