Parliament has denied claims that Speaker Thoko Didiza met with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s lawyers regarding the Phala Phala matter, labeling such allegations as false, baseless, and unsupported by facts. Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo stated that Didiza rejected these allegations, specifically those suggesting a meeting occurred after the Constitutional Court judgment on the Phala Phala matter. Mothapo emphasized that Parliament rejects these claims "in the strongest terms."
Mothapo further clarified, "These allegations are entirely false, without any factual basis, and appear to rely solely on tabloid reporting." He added that "The Speaker reiterates that she has never met with the legal representatives of the President, either as alleged by Mr Zungula or in any other context relating to this matter." Mothapo described the claims made by Mr Zungula as "pure speculation" designed to "cast doubt on the integrity of the Speaker and the credibility of the Section 89 process currently underway." He affirmed that "The Speaker will not be deterred from discharging her constitutional responsibilities as directed by the Court, as required by the Constitution, and as expected by the people of South Africa."
Allegations and Rejection
Speaker Thoko Didiza rejected allegations from African Transformation Movement (ATM) MP Vuyo Zungula, who claimed she could not act impartially in the Section 89 impeachment process concerning President Cyril Ramaphosa and should therefore recuse herself. These allegations, Mothapo noted, appeared aimed at undermining both the integrity of the Speaker and the credibility of the Section 89 process. Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo reiterated that the Speaker has never met with the President's legal representatives, denying Zungula's claims or any other alleged meetings related to the matter. According to Mothapo, Zungula's allegations appeared designed to undermine both the integrity of the Speaker and the credibility of the ongoing Section 89 process.
Mothapo further stated that Didiza rejected claims suggesting her participation in the National Assembly vote on the Independent Panel Report in December 2022 constituted grounds for her recusal from current proceedings. Zungula had previously alleged that the Speaker had "taken a posture" that indicated bias. Parliament's refutation emphasized that such claims were baseless and intended to cast doubt on the procedural fairness and the Speaker's constitutional duties. The denial shows Parliament's stance against what it views as attempts to discredit the process and the office of the Speaker. Parliament's statement noted that these allegations are not supported by facts and lack any substantive evidence.
Opposition Concerns and Process
On Monday, African Transformation Movement (ATM) MP Vuyo Zungula stated that several opposition parties convened to discuss procedural concerns regarding the Section 89 impeachment process before the committee's initial sitting. This meeting, held ahead of the first sitting of the committee, aimed to align on strategies and express collective reservations. Opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, ActionSA, United Democratic Movement (UDM), African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus), Rise Mzansi, Build One South Africa (BOSA), and the United Africans Transformation (UAT), raised concerns about various aspects of the process. Their concerns specifically revolved around oversight mechanisms, the appointment of evidence leaders, and the committee’s terms of reference, indicating a desire for a transparent and unbiased process.
Zungula reported that there was a consensus among these opposition parties that the impeachment committee should not be chaired by a figure aligned with the African National Congress (ANC). This position stemmed from their belief that an ANC-aligned chairperson could compromise the impartiality of the proceedings. He previously alleged that Speaker Thoko Didiza had "taken a posture" that indicated bias, leading to calls for her recusal. The parties collectively agreed that the impeachment process should proceed unless it is halted by a court interdict or set aside by the Constitutional Court, signaling their commitment to seeing the process through within legal frameworks. The opposition parties showed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Section 89 process, emphasizing that any perceived bias could undermine public trust in parliamentary oversight.
Speaker's Role and Defence
Speaker Thoko Didiza participated in the December 2022 vote on the Independent Panel Report in her capacity as an elected Member of Parliament, according to Parliament. This participation, Parliament clarified, was a function of her role as a representative, not as Speaker presiding over the house. Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo stated that Didiza has acted in accordance with legal advice provided by Parliament's Legal Services Office regarding her duties, ensuring her actions are within established legal parameters. Mothapo clarified that "The Speaker is a Member of Parliament elected through a proportional representation system," further noting that she serves on the African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee and National Working Committee.
Attendance at party meetings by Members of Parliament, including the Speaker, is lawful, normal, and consistent with South Africa’s constitutional democracy and multiparty political system, Parliament affirmed. This statement aims to counter any suggestions that her party affiliation or attendance at party gatherings constitutes a conflict of interest in her parliamentary duties. Despite the ongoing allegations, Parliament emphasized that the Speaker remains committed to her duties and to upholding the constitutional mandate of her office. Mothapo reiterated, "The Speaker will not be deterred from discharging her constitutional responsibilities as directed by the Court, as required by the Constitution, and as expected by the people of South Africa." This statement shows Parliament's position that the Speaker will continue to fulfill her role despite calls for her recusal, asserting her dedication to the principles of accountability and good governance. Parliament views the claims against the Speaker as attempts to obstruct due process and undermine the legislative body.
