Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating police corruption was divided on Friday over whether President Cyril Ramaphosa should appear as a witness in its upcoming hearings.
The dispute arose as members debated the addition of more than 20 new names to the committee’s witness list ahead of hearings scheduled to begin in October.
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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) submitted an extensive list that included Ramaphosa and Minister Gayton McKenzie. Concerns were also raised that the committee may not have enough time to properly assess all the proposed witnesses before proceedings begin.
EFF Demands Accountability From the President
EFF leader Julius Malema argued that Ramaphosa’s testimony was crucial to ensure accountability.
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“Why is Parliament being used to shield the president from accountability. We are now failing again in our responsibility to hold the executive accountable,” Malema said during Friday’s meeting.
Malema further urged members of the Government of National Unity (GNU) not to block the president from testifying, insisting that Parliament must demonstrate independence in its oversight role.
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Other members, including Ashley Sauls, cautioned against relying too heavily on evidence from the Madlanga Commission, which is also probing allegations of police corruption.
“Our position is we are not a subcommittee of the commission. So, we will for ourselves hear testimony first then make a decision,” Sauls explained.
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The committee ultimately agreed to wait for the testimony of KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in October before finalising any adjustments to the witness list.
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