Get ready for some serious political tension! 🍿 South Africa's Parliament has officially dropped the list of 31 Members of Parliament (MPs) who will serve on the Section 89 committee. Their mission? To investigate whether President Cyril Ramaphosa should face impeachment over the Phala Phala scandal, setting the stage for the next big phase of the inquiry.
Wait, what exactly is 'Section 89'? 🤔 For those not buried in law books, Section 89 of South Africa's Constitution is essentially the rulebook for removing a president from office. It states that the National Assembly can remove the president if MPs find they have committed a serious violation of the Constitution or the law, engaged in serious misconduct, or are simply unable to perform their duties.
This process is moving forward now because the Constitutional Court stepped in earlier this month. The court ruled that Parliament acted unlawfully when it blocked impeachment proceedings against Ramaphosa back in 2022. Basically, the court said the block wasn't legal, and political parties were told to get their nominations in before the deadline. ⚖️
Who is on the 'Investigation Squad'? The committee includes some high-profile political figures, such as:
- Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
- John Hlophe, parliamentary leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party)
- Mmusi Maimane, leader of Build One South Africa
In terms of power dynamics, the African National Congress (ANC) holds the largest share of seats on the committee, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA). However, not everyone is joining the fray. The GOOD Party and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) have decided not to participate, as their only MPs are already serving in the Executive. 🚫
With the committee now assembled, the eyes of the nation—and the world—are on this inquiry to see where it leads. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding political saga! 🌍✨
Reference(s):
Inside Parliament's next steps in the Ramaphosa Phala Phala inquiry
cgtn.com
