CAPE TOWN – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is intensifying its push for the removal of National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, centering the controversy on her legal stance during the Phala Phala impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa. According to the opposition party, the Speaker’s decision to file a notice to abide—rather than actively opposing the President’s court review of the Section 89 panel report—constitutes a severe dereliction of her constitutional duties.
EFF Treasurer-General Omphile Maotwe detailed the party’s grievances, highlighting a contentious timeline of legal counsel. Maotwe revealed that a legal opinion tabled on June 18 explicitly advised Didiza to oppose the President’s application. However, the Speaker allegedly ignored this directive, opting instead to secure a second legal opinion from a former ANC treasurer-general to rationalize her choice to abide. Maotwe characterized this maneuver as an attempt to align with the ANC’s “party line” rather than protecting the legislature’s independence as mandated by Section 42 of the Constitution.
In stark contrast to the Speaker’s approach, impeachment committee chairperson Makashule Gana has already filed an opposing affidavit to directly challenge Ramaphosa’s court application. Maotwe noted that the committee’s overwhelming majority initially voted to oppose the review, recognizing the independent panel report as a protected product of Parliament. The committee even formally wrote to Didiza, urging her to join their opposition to defend the institution’s integrity, but she refused.
The ANC has rallied behind its deployed Speaker, with Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula recently defending Didiza by arguing that her decision to abide demonstrated impartiality. Maotwe dismissed this defense, asserting that Mbalula was merely confirming the ruling party’s strategy to close ranks. The EFF emphasized that the ANC no longer commands an outright majority in the National Assembly, making Didiza’s failure to consult broader party leaders an act of arrogance and naivety.
The push to oust the Speaker is reportedly gaining traction across the political aisle. Maotwe indicated that the Democratic Alliance (DA) has openly condemned Didiza’s conduct during a recent Wednesday committee meeting, aligning with the EFF’s view that abiding was legally baseless. Furthermore, Maotwe pointed out the unprecedented nature of Didiza’s current stance, noting that she has actively opposed interdicts in previous high-profile matters, including the ongoing “vet levy” and “full levy” cases currently in court.
With Parliament currently in recess and not scheduled to return until August, the EFF is refusing to wait for the normal legislative schedule. The party has formally petitioned the Deputy Speaker to convene an urgent special sitting to vote on the removal motion, though they have yet to receive a response. Maotwe stressed the critical nature of the July 7 deadline, which marks the final day for the Speaker to file opposing papers in the President’s review application. The EFF maintains that Parliament must act swiftly to install a leadership that respects the Constitution and properly holds the executive accountable.