The Section 89 of the South African Constitution allows for the impeachment of the President, a process that involves a preliminary panel report, followed by an impeachment committee if sufficient evidence exists.
The National Assembly then votes on whether to proceed with the impeachment.
The committee was established after the Constitutional Court in May 2026 compelled Parliament to take steps to consider misconduct allegations against President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Impeachment Committee held its first meeting on May 27, 2026, to elect Mr. Makashule Gana as its Chairperson, with Mr. Gana securing 19 votes to Dr.
Lehlohonolo Mahlatsi’s 12 votes.
The election of the chairperson was a significant step in the impeachment process, as it marked the formal beginning of the committee’s work. President Ramaphosa’s legal team is betting on a legal challenge to stall the impeachment proceedings, potentially delaying the process by up to a year.
The ANC could argue that questions about Ramaphosa’s conduct should be discussed only once the matter is concluded in court, invoking the legal principle of sub judice. This principle suggests that legal matters should not be discussed in public until they have been resolved in court. Opposition parties, however, are pressuring the Speaker of the National Assembly to legally fight Ramaphosa’s attempt to interdict the impeachment proceedings.
They argue that the President’s actions could undermine the independence of the judiciary and the integrity of the impeachment process.
The upcoming meeting of the Impeachment Committee is expected to be tense, as it will determine how to proceed with the case against President Ramaphosa.
The committee’s decision could have significant implications for the future of South Africa’s political landscape.
In the meantime, the South African public remains divided on the issue. Some believe that President Ramaphosa should face the consequences of his actions, while others argue that the impeachment process is a political ploy aimed at destabilizing the government.
As the Impeachment Committee prepares to meet, the nation watches closely to see how this historic case will unfold.
The outcome could have far — reaching consequences for South Africa’s democracy and the rule of law.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: Nokuthula Khanyile
