Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa
By OBAKENG MAJE
5 August 2026 – The Impeachment Committee for the Section 89 Enquiry today agreed that Republic of South Africa (RSA) president Cyril Ramaphosa will be requested to appear before it. The committee met today to consider, among other things, the legal opinion on the appearance of Ramaphosa, its recommendation for the appointment of the evidence leader and the draft terms of reference that will guide its work.
The Chairperson of the committee, Makashule Gana said in considering the legal opinion, the committee agreed that Ramaphosa will not be the first witness to appear before the committee. Gana said it must first establish a case to which he can respond.
“We note the committee’s powers under the constitution. We hope that the matter will not reach the point, where the President must be summoned. However, if he refuses to appear, the committee will have to summon him.
“The committee further resolved to recommend the appointment of Advocate Thandazani Madonsela SC as evidence leader. Now that the committee has made its recommendation, the matter will be referred to the Secretary to Parliament to make the appointment,” he said.
Gana further said the committee recommends a candidate, after which Parliament’s administrative processes take effect. He added that in considering the draft terms of reference, the members were allowed to make further inputs.
“The document as amended following inputs will now be referred to Parliament’s Legal Services Division for refinement. This will include ensuring consistency in the use of language and applying a uniform drafting style.
“Once that work has been completed, the document will again be presented to the committee. We noted that the deliberations today, the committee is close to finalising its terms of reference,” said Gana.
The Guardian 