The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has accused the African National Congress (ANC) of deliberately obstructing the Phala Phala impeachment process after the ruling party failed to submit its nominees to the parliamentary committee by the required deadline.
The EFF, known as the Red Berets, argues that the ANC’s withholding of its nominees undermines the implementation of the independent panel report and frustrates Parliament’s constitutional duties. The allegations come as ANC top brass meet to map a way forward on the matter.
Speaking on the development, UNISA politics professor Dirk Kotze described the delay as “very significant,” noting that the ANC holds nine of the 31 seats on the committee. He emphasized that the party remains a dominant force in South African politics and within the Government of National Unity, making its absence from the process particularly notable.
“The ANC is the biggest party on this committee. It affects obviously their president, President Ramaphosa, who will appear before this committee,” Kotze said. “We have to hear exactly what is the reason why it has been delayed.”
Kotze indicated that reported differences of opinion between Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula and the chief whip have been referred to the party’s top seven leadership for resolution. He added that Speaker Thoko Didiza, also an ANC member, has insisted on compliance with the Friday deadline.
The professor noted that President Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated he will take the Section 89 legal panel report on review, raising legal questions about whether that could postpone the committee’s convening. “I won’t be surprised if that is part of the reason why the ANC has not yet submitted their members,” Kotze said.
Regarding the selection of committee leadership, Kotze noted that many observers believe the chairperson should not be an ANC member due to potential political conflict of interest. He cautioned that the ANC must be seen as playing a constructive role “and not sabotaging or jeopardizing the work of the committee because that will give ammunition to those who are saying the ANC was from the start not willing to have a fair and open process.”
Kotze said impeachment processes are “driven by politicians” and ultimately the final vote in the National Assembly is expected to follow party lines, making it “effectively a political decision again.”
When asked whether the delays have already weakened President Ramaphosa politically, Kotze urged against premature judgment. “We are in the first phases of it,” he said, adding that a clearer assessment will be possible once the process unfolds and the nature of the evidence is known.