DA questions Didiza role in Ramaphosa impeachment

The Democratic Alliance has raised concerns over alleged meetings between Speaker Thoko Didiza and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s legal team during the Phala Phala impeachment discussions.

Tensions emerged at the National Assembly’s Rules Subcommittee meeting. The Democratic Alliance questioned whether Speaker Thoko Didiza should recuse herself from the Phala Phala impeachment process.

DA Parliamentary leader George Michalakis cited widespread reports of the meetings. He said they could taint the process and asked about recusal rules to protect its integrity.

Parliament is considering new rules for witness testimony in the inquiry. Legal adviser Andrew Breytenbach stressed the need for clear procedures on evidence leaders, cross-examination and member questions to ensure fairness.

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Parliament sets up 31-member impeachment committee for Ramaphosa

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South Africa's National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has begun the process of forming a 31-member impeachment committee to examine allegations against President Cyril Ramaphosa over foreign currency found at his Phala Phala farm. The move follows a Constitutional Court ruling last Friday that declared a parliamentary rule unconstitutional and required the committee's establishment. Political parties must submit names for the committee by 22 May 2026.

The Democratic Alliance says it will participate in any impeachment process following the Constitutional Court ruling that found the National Assembly acted inconsistently with the Constitution in the Phala Phala matter.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has filed papers in the Western Cape High Court to review the Section 89 Independent Panel report on the Phala Phala matter. Several political parties say Parliament should continue preparing an impeachment committee. The filing occurred on 25 May 2026.

The Democratic Alliance has urged the precautionary suspension of Ekurhuleni City Manager Kagiso Lerutla, who faces fraud and corruption charges and is scheduled to return from special leave on Monday.

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Geophrey Ledwaba, former head of operations at the Scorpions, testified at the Khampepe Commission of Inquiry that he did not halt investigations into Truth and Reconciliation Commission matters in 2003. He described his actions as a compliance with National Prosecution Authority policy to transfer cases to the Priority Crimes Litigation Unit. The testimony counters claims by victim families of political interference blocking justice.

Anton Ackermann, a former top prosecutor, testified at the Khampepe inquiry about how former president Thabo Mbeki's actions led to delays in Truth and Reconciliation Commission prosecutions. He described a systematic effort to protect apartheid-era perpetrators through policy changes and political interference. Ackermann highlighted the distinction between reconciliation and justice for victims.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed South Africans on Monday to declare he will not resign following the Constitutional Court ruling on the Phala Phala matter. He announced plans to seek a judicial review of the independent panel report. The president maintained that he has committed no crime.

 

 

 

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