PRETORIA, — The African National Congress (ANC) has publicly reaffirmed its backing of National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, defending her impartial handling of the Phala Phala court review sought by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Speaking to the media, ANC acting spokesperson Nonceba Mhlauli provided clarity on the party’s legal strategies, dismissed accusations of parliamentary bias, and outlined the government’s approach to impending national protests and international migration.
Clarifying the ANC’s Legal Maneuvers
Addressing the timeline of the ANC’s involvement in the Phala Phala litigation, Mhlauli explained that the party’s initial notice to intervene was strictly a procedural safeguard. With a strict court deadline set for 4:00 p.m. on June 18 and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) not scheduled to convene until the following Monday, the ANC filed the notice simply to reserve its legal space.
Following the NWC’s deliberations, the committee opted to withdraw the intervention. However, Mhlauli emphasized that this withdrawal does not close the door permanently; the option to participate as a friend of the court remains available.
She stressed that the ANC’s perspective is anchored in legal process rather than the merits of the impeachment itself. The party supports the roadmap established by the Constitutional Court, which mandates the amendment of parliamentary rules, the formation of an impeachment committee, and the election of a chairperson. Furthermore, the ANC fully respects President Ramaphosa’s constitutional right to take the matter on judicial review and supports his request to pause parliamentary processes while the courts evaluate the case.
Defending the Speaker’s Neutrality
Speaker Thoko Didiza has faced intense political scrutiny for her decision not to oppose the President’s urgent application to halt the impeachment committee’s work. This stance has led to accusations of conflict, prompting the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to announce plans to have the deputy speaker preside over all Phala Phala-related proceedings.
Mhlauli categorically rejected these claims, describing the narrative of a conflicted Speaker as entirely baseless. She detailed that Didiza strictly adheres to ethical protocols, consistently recusing herself from both the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and NWC meetings whenever the Phala Phala matter is on the agenda. President Ramaphosa follows the exact same recusal protocol.
The acting spokesperson also debunked circulating rumors that Didiza was present at a meeting of parliamentary officials to seek legal advice, labeling the claims as deliberate falsehoods. Mhlauli argued that as the head of the legislature, Didiza is legally bound to allow lawful court processes to unfold. By choosing not to block a judicial review—an avenue explicitly permitted by the Constitutional Court—Didiza is maintaining the most neutral position possible. Mhlauli warned political opponents against turning the Speaker into a “sacrificial lamb” and urged them to argue their cases before a judge rather than in the court of public opinion.
A Continental Approach to Migration and June 30 Protests
The briefing also covered the highly anticipated anti-migration demonstrations scheduled for June 30. Mhlauli noted that the ANC Secretary-General recently discussed the issue of illegal migration with his counterpart in Mozambique, while the President raised it during a visit to Botswana.
The party maintains that migration is a complex global and continental phenomenon. As one of only two primary receiving nations on the African continent, South Africa cannot solve the issue in isolation. The ANC is advocating for a unified approach through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU). This strategy emphasizes addressing the root causes of migration—such as instability in origin countries—and applying the “first safe country” principle, noting that many migrants bypass several safe nations before arriving in South Africa.
Regarding the upcoming protests, the ANC reiterated that only the state possesses the legal authority to verify a person’s residency status. While the party fiercely defends the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, Mhlauli drew a hard line against violence, looting, and assaults, stating such actions will not be tolerated. She assured citizens that the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster has deployed comprehensive measures to ensure law and order is maintained before, during, and after the demonstrations.
Celebrating Bafana Bafana’s World Cup Resilience
Concluding the briefing on a celebratory note, Mhlauli praised the national soccer team, Bafana Bafana, for their remarkable performance on the world stage. Highlighting the resilience of the South African spirit, she noted how the team was heavily criticized and written off after their opening match, only to silence their critics and advance deep into the World Cup tournament.
Mhlauli expressed absolute confidence in the team’s success, echoing President Ramaphosa’s promise of a special public holiday if they secure the championship. Drawing a parallel to Argentina’s historic World Cup campaign—where they lost their opening match before ultimately winning the trophy—Mhlauli joked that the South African squad is fully prepared to face the Argentine team and prove their own winning formula.