National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza retains the full backing of the African National Congress as opposition parties intensify calls for her to withdraw from impeachment-related proceedings concerning the Phala Phala matter. ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli publicly rejected demands for Didiza’s recusal, stating that claims of bias require concrete evidence rather than speculation.
The Section 89 impeachment committee, composed of 31 parliamentarians including nine ANC representatives, formally convened on Monday and selected its leadership. Ntuli praised the newly elected chairperson, Honorable Makashule Gana, describing him as a thoughtful lawmaker capable of navigating the complex responsibilities ahead. He expressed confidence the committee would proceed with dignity and integrity.
Ten opposition parties have jointly urged Speaker Didiza to step back from the impeachment process. Ntuli characterized the coordinated demand as procedurally unfounded, noting it was first raised by the ATM before gaining support from aligned parties. He clarified that the Speaker holds no voting position on the impeachment committee and exercises no direct influence over its deliberations. Her office, he explained, offers administrative and legal assistance to parliamentary committees when requested—a standard function extended to all committees equally.
“Allegations of partiality cannot rest on assumption,” Ntuli stated. He noted that Didiza’s ANC affiliation was well known to all parliamentarians when she was elected Speaker in 2024, and that her political membership alone does not constitute grounds for disqualification without demonstrated misconduct.
Following the Constitutional Court’s directive, Ntuli highlighted three procedural steps taken by Didiza: releasing the investigative panel’s findings to all members of parliament, transmitting the report to the President, and activating the mechanism to constitute the impeachment committee. He emphasized that concerns about impartiality must be supported by documented evidence of compromised conduct.
Opposition parties have additionally requested revisions to the committee’s terms of reference and the selection process for evidence leaders. Ntuli dismissed these requests as lacking procedural basis, explaining that a subcommittee of the Rules Committee—authorized by the Speaker two weeks prior—is currently drafting the operational protocols for the impeachment proceedings. These protocols must receive endorsement from the full National Assembly before the committee adopts its final working framework and witness schedule.
“This process must remain grounded in law and procedure, not political targeting,” Ntuli asserted, cautioning against efforts to frame the inquiry as a prosecution driven by longstanding political adversaries.
Responding to suggestions that the ANC has predetermined the impeachment outcome, Ntuli denied any preconceived position. He pointed to the ANC’s support for nominating Honorable Makashule Gana—a non-ANC member—as committee chair as evidence of the party’s commitment to a balanced process. He referenced a Monday morning coordination meeting attended by opposition parties (excluding the ANC, IFP, PA, and Al Jama-ah), suggesting their apparent disarray when the ANC endorsed Gana’s nomination indicated misplaced expectations about partisan maneuvering.
Ntuli also addressed media reports alleging discord between himself and ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula regarding committee appointments. He firmly denied any interpersonal conflict, explaining that the decision to exclude the Deputy Chief Whip from the impeachment committee stemmed from strategic prioritization of election preparations ahead of the November 4 deadline. He described the nomination process as a reasoned consultation with national leadership through the Secretary General, not a source of tension.
“Our engagement with the SG is constructive and aligned,” Ntuli said. “As ANC leaders, we evaluate decisions based on what serves the movement’s best interests.”
Concluding his remarks, Ntuli reaffirmed his dedication to the Chief Whip mandate, stating he performs his duties without viewing the position as a pathway to future roles and remains focused on fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him by the party.