Rise Mzansi MP Makashule Gana was elected chairperson of Parliament’s Section 89 impeachment committee on Monday. The committee will examine allegations against President Cyril Ramaphosa linked to his Phala Phala farm.
Gana won the vote against United Africans Transformation’s Wonderboy Mahlatsi by 19 votes to 12. He described the role as carrying huge responsibilities to ensure fairness for all participants and adherence to the Constitution and National Assembly rules.
The committee includes MPs from multiple parties such as Julius Malema, Glynnis Breytenbach, George Michalakis, John Hlophe and Mmusi Maimane. Gana said the panel must avoid political grandstanding and produce a report that reflects the interests of South Africans.
Work begins on 2 June when Gana meets the team. A subcommittee will amend parliamentary rules on Thursday before hearings can proceed. Gana stressed that the process will not be rushed and must follow proper procedures as the first of its kind.