RISE Mzansi MP Makashule Gana has been elected as chairperson of Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee, which will assess whether President Cyril Ramaphosa should face impeachment linked to the Phala Phala scandal.

Gana secured 19 votes, defeating United African Transformation leader Wonderboy Mahlatse, who received 12 votes in a closely contested election reflecting divisions between governing coalition-aligned parties and opposition groups.

The committee’s establishment follows a Constitutional Court ruling that invalidated the 2022 parliamentary vote that declined to proceed with impeachment.

The 31-member body is now tasked with determining whether Ramaphosa violated the Constitution or engaged in misconduct after $580,000 was stolen from his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo.

An earlier independent panel found prima facie evidence suggesting possible serious violations, though Ramaphosa is challenging that report in court, arguing that the panel misinterpreted its mandate and the legal threshold under Section 89.Gana’s election was supported by parties aligned with the government of national unity, many of which have opposed calls for Ramaphosa’s removal.

In contrast, Mahlatse’s candidacy was backed by opposition parties including the EFF and the MK Party, which have been vocal in demanding the president’s impeachment.The committee will now determine its programme of work and outline the next steps in its inquiry.

Its composition reflects proportional party representation, with the ANC holding nine seats, the DA five, and smaller parties each represented by one member.

Should the committee conclude that Ramaphosa committed serious misconduct, it could recommend his removal, which would then require a two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly.

The process marks a significant moment in South Africa’s parliamentary oversight, with potential implications for both the presidency and broader political dynamics within the GNU.