The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has responded to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza’s disclosure of the 31 legislators appointed to the Section 89 Committee, welcoming the development while maintaining that President Cyril Ramaphosa ought to resign voluntarily rather than endure impeachment proceedings.
Sifiso Mahlangu, spokesperson for the MK Party, said the party is satisfied that the committee roster has been made public, but warned that subjecting the President to the impeachment process would be “wildly embarrassing.” Mahlangu noted that Ramaphosa would likely be called to testify before the committee, potentially facing questioning from members including Dr. Lichfield Chabalala, and urged him to “do the honorable thing and resign.”
Mahlangu pointed to a previous finding by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo against President Ramaphosa, observing that although the Constitutional Court subsequently referred the matter back to Parliament, the President should still consider relinquishing office. He argued that the impeachment inquiry would distract lawmakers from their legislative duties and that the ANC’s choice to keep Ramaphosa on the ballot is a matter for that party alone, not for the broader republic.
Addressing suggestions that the process should proceed to allow public judgment, Mahlangu stated that the Constitutional Court’s decision reflected the views of ordinary citizens and aligned with positions held by parties such as ATM and the EFF. He characterized Ramaphosa’s situation as “precarious,” noting the ANC’s past support for him, and contended that extending his time in office harms market confidence and delays national development. Mahlangu listed several flagship initiatives—the YES project, the Solidarity project, and the national dialogue—as having “completely failed” during Ramaphosa’s tenure.
The spokesperson proposed that any accountability measures should occur after Ramaphosa leaves office, accusing him of using legal reviews to stall proceedings. With the ANC’s elective conference drawing nearer, Mahlangu outlined three possible scenarios for the President: dismissal by his own party, impeachment by Parliament, or legal repercussions tied to the Phala Phala matter. “Whichever will come first, the president is going down,” Mahlangu said, advising Ramaphosa to begin preparing his legal defense and to vacate the executive offices at the Union Buildings.
Turning to Africa Day and recent demonstrations regarding undocumented foreign nationals, Mahlangu clarified that the MK Party has not officially endorsed or joined the “March and March” protests. While recognizing that some participants wore MK Party apparel, he stressed that such involvement was in a personal capacity. He specifically addressed Bishop Nela’s recent appearance in MK regalia, confirming it was not an official party statement. Mahlangu added that any future decision on formal participation would be announced through proper channels, labeling alternative claims as “propaganda.”
He confirmed that MK Party leadership has held discussions with protest organizers, citing the party’s strong base in KwaZulu-Natal and its focus on community safety and development. A meeting between the party chairperson and protest leadership is planned, though Mahlangu emphasized that no formal partnership or agreement currently exists.
On immigration, Mahlangu restated the MK Party’s stance that entry and residence in South Africa must comply with existing legislation. He affirmed that all individuals living or working in the country must hold appropriate documentation and that those without legal status should return to their home nations. Mahlangu underscored that the party’s position stands independently, requiring no validation from external groups, as it represents a “duly elected party” accountable to its constituents.