The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called on Rise Mzansi’s Magashule Gana, newly elected chairperson of Parliament’s Section 89 impeachment committee, to execute his duties fairly and without influence from the ANC or DA as the committee begins its investigation into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s conduct regarding the Phala Phala farm saga.
EFF Treasurer-General Omphile Maotwe welcomed the committee’s formation, noting the matter has been pending since an alleged burglary at the Phala Phala property in 2020 only became public in 2022 when President Ramaphosa issued a media statement acknowledging the incident. Maotwe stated the EFF was compelled to approach the Constitutional Court after parliamentary majority parties attempted to suppress the matter, despite an independent panel finding prima facie evidence that the President should answer questions about undisclosed foreign currency recovered from his residence.
“The President himself said that indeed there was that money and indeed that money was stolen,” Maotwe said. “How do you then say that the report is not correct when the president himself said that he had that money?”
While the EFF had nominated Dr. Wonderboy Mohlatsi for the chairperson role, the ANC and DA supported Gana’s election. Maotwe expressed relief that the ANC did not secure the position but cautioned that Gana must not allow partisanship or external influence to guide the committee’s work. She noted Gana’s post-election interactions, observing he shook hands with ANC and DA representatives but not with EFF members, though she added the party maintains faith in his ability to chair proceedings fairly.
The EFF’s ultimate objective remains holding the President accountable for what it describes as breaches of his constitutional oath. Maotwe cited Ramaphosa’s admission of possessing undeclared US dollars, unresolved questions about how the currency entered South Africa, and discrepancies regarding alleged wildlife transactions as central to the inquiry. She also referenced the President’s past characterization of the presidency as a “side job” to his business interests as context for the EFF’s scrutiny.
Regarding legal challenges, Maotwe acknowledged the President’s right to seek review of the Section 89 report but characterized such moves as potential delay tactics. She emphasized that the Constitutional Court’s order directing the matter to the impeachment committee remains in force, with no current interdict halting proceedings. The committee has begun appointing an evidence leader and will next establish its terms of reference.
Maotwe warned that any attempts to obstruct the committee’s work could result in contempt of court applications, stating, “We are dealing with an order of the highest court in the land.” She affirmed the EFF’s commitment to ensuring the process proceeds without obstruction, noting South Africans have waited six years for clarity on the Phala Phala matter.
Gana has publicly vowed that the inquiry will proceed without delays, an assurance the EFF says is already mandated by the Constitutional Court’s directive that the impeachment process continue.