Parliament has established a 31-member Impeachment Committee to begin a Section 89 inquiry into Cyril Ramaphosa’s conduct in relation to the Phala Phala matter,
Image: File
Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said Parliament’s impeachment inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa must focus on one thing only but the truth.
Speaking on the sidelines of the DA’s voter registration rally in Eersterust on Saturday, Hill-Lewis said the newly established impeachment committee carries a responsibility far greater than any single government, political party or president.
“This is not about this government. It is much bigger than any individual person or president. It’s about the kind of future we want for our country,” he said.
Hill-Lewis argued that South Africa’s democratic future depends on leaders being held to the same standards of accountability, ethics and honesty expected of ordinary citizens.
“If we want a better future, we have to stand up for values. Accountability and ethics must be precious and important.
“If there is evidence of wrongdoing, then the person responsible must be accountable. There can be no fear or favour,” he added.
His remarks come as Parliament’s 31-member Impeachment Committee prepares to begin a Section 89 inquiry into Ramaphosa’s conduct in relation to the Phala Phala matter, following a Constitutional Court ruling that cleared the way for the process.
The committee is expected to elect a chairperson and finalise its terms of reference before commencing its work.
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa is pursuing legal action to halt the proceedings, seeking to challenge the Section 89 independent panel report that underpins the inquiry.
However, parliamentary officials have confirmed that no court order currently exists preventing the committee from moving ahead.
With political tensions rising, the inquiry is set to become one of the most closely watched cases.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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