South Africa’s Impeachment Committee Presses On Despite Legal Threats — “Only a Court Can Stop Us”

South Africa’s Impeachment Committee Presses On Despite Legal Threats — “Only a Court Can Stop Us”

Makashule Gana, a Rise Mzansi MP, was elected chairperson of South Africa’s newly formed 31-member Impeachment Committee on 1 June 2026, tasked with investigating whether President Cyril Ramaphosa should be removed from office over the Phala Phala farm scandal — a case involving the alleged theft of over $580,000 hidden at his private game farm in Bela-Bela in 2020.

A Committee Born from a Constitutional Crisis

The committee was established following a landmark Constitutional Court ruling in May 2026, which found that Parliament had acted unconstitutionally in 2022. Back then, the ANC used its parliamentary majority to block a Section 89 Independent Panel report that had found Ramaphosa had a prima facie case to answer.

The apex court ordered Parliament to do what it had previously refused: properly investigate the president.

Gana Elected in a Divided Vote

Gana defeated United Africans Transformation’s Wonderboy Mahlatsi by 19 votes to 12. His election revealed clear political fault lines within the committee.

“We Will Not Stop” — Gana’s Clear Message

Speaking to eNCA after his election, Gana drew a firm line: the committee will continue its work regardless of ongoing legal challenges by Ramaphosa. “At some point in the future, the court says you can’t continue, then we’ll stop working — but anything else, we’ll continue doing our work,” he said.

He confirmed that legal proceedings and the committee’s work will run in parallel for now.

What Comes Next?

Gana wants to hold the committee’s first substantive meeting before the end of June to lock in its terms of reference and rules of engagement. He has also signalled that high-profile figures may be called to testify, including:

“As a leader, you must subject yourself to this process. When I call you as chairperson, you have to respond positively,” Gana said.

He also stressed the need to avoid the legal pitfalls that plagued the Section 194 committee, which handled the impeachment of former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane.

Opposition Challenges Gana’s Impartiality

Not everyone is convinced by Gana’s assurances of independence. MK Party MP John Hlophe argued that Gana’s past voting patterns show consistent alignment with the governing party. “In order for the process to be credible, it must be chaired by an independent person — and we do not believe Hon. Gana is independent,” Hlophe said.

African Transformation Movement leader Vuyo Zungula went further, accusing the ANC of already deciding to protect the president: “We view the ANC as having already taken a posture and decision to protect Ramaphosa.”

Ramaphosa Fights Back in Court

President Ramaphosa has filed papers in the Western Cape High Court seeking to have the Section 89 panel report reviewed, declared unlawful, and set aside. He has also warned he may seek an urgent interdict to pause the committee’s work if Parliament proceeds before the court challenge is resolved.

Legal expert Dr Llewelyn Curlewis estimates the review application could take three to four months — potentially stretching into 2027.

Who Sits on the Committee?

The 31-member committee draws representatives from 16 political parties. The breakdown is as follows:

Gana, who describes himself as one of only two Rise Mzansi MPs in Parliament, accepted the chairperson role without hesitation. “It’s a responsibility I accept with both hands,” he said. “I have the task of ensuring the work proceeds without fear, favour, or prejudice.”