Thoko Didiza has formally established a 31-member parliamentary committee that will reassess evidence linked to the Phala Phala controversy and decide whether impeachment proceedings against Cyril Ramaphosa should move forward.
The committee will include representatives from all 16 political parties currently represented in Parliament. Its formation places renewed focus on the 2020 theft of foreign currency at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm.
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Phala Phala Committee To Include MPs From All Political Parties
The African National Congress will hold the largest representation on the committee with nine seats. The Democratic Alliance will have five members, while the uMkhonto weSizwe Party will have three representatives.
The Economic Freedom Fighters secured two seats on the committee. Smaller parties, including the IFP, PA, FF Plus, ActionSA, ACDP, UDM, Rise Mzansi, BOSA, ATM, Al-Jama-ah, NCC and UAT, will each be represented by one MP.
Parliament said the structure of the committee was designed to balance proportional representation while ensuring smaller political parties also have a voice in the process.
Didiza Says Inclusive Representation Is Key In Phala Phala Process
In a statement, Parliament explained that Didiza’s approach was aimed at ensuring broader participation across the political spectrum. The move is expected to make the committee one of the most politically significant parliamentary bodies in recent years.
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“Accordingly, this is to ensure that smaller political parties, which may otherwise not be accommodated through a strict mathematical application of proportional representation, are also afforded representation and participation in the committee’s work,” Parliament said.
Political parties have until 22 May to submit the names of MPs who will serve on the committee.
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Committee To Reassess Section 89 Phala Phala Report
The committee is expected to revisit the Section 89 independent panel report into the Phala Phala farm theft. The report previously found that Ramaphosa may have a case to answer regarding the scandal.
Ramaphosa is currently challenging the findings of the report through a court review application. The president has repeatedly rejected calls for his resignation and maintains that he acted lawfully.
Earlier this week, Ramaphosa insisted that he “did not do anything wrong”. Any attempt to remove the president from office would require support from a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
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