The day that members of parliament have been waiting for has finally arrived, as they are expected to meet to deliberate over the Phala Phala Section 89 Independent Panel Report and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s future.
The panel report found that Ramaphosa has a case to answer and the president has since taken it on review following an ANC NEC decision taken last week where the party pledged its support for its top nominee for the second term as president of the organisation.
Parliamentarians were today expected to decide on a way forward after proceedings were postponed last week.
The ATM, EFF and the DA are among parties that are expected to vote in support of the report.
The DA, which is the official opposition, initially did not support the motion but has since changed tune with leader John Steenhuisen accusing the ANC of wanting to use its majority in parliament to help Ramaphosa avoid accountability.
The president came under fire following the release of the Section 89 Independent Panel report that found that he had an impeachable case to answer arising from the 2020 theft of millions of dollars from his Limpopo Phala Phala farm.
The findings led some ANC NEC members and opposition parties to call for him to step down. While others supported his stay to remain in the organisation and to take the panel report under review.
Those who are alleged to have convinced the president to stay were ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe, Eastern Cape MEC Oscar Mabuyane and Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul among others.
While those who called on him to step down were presidential hopeful and Cogta Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, her tourism counterpart Lindiwe Sisulu and the likes of former North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo, as well long serving NEC member Tony Yengeni.
Their public calls for the President to step down were challenged by EFF Leader Julius Malema who asked them to put their money where their mouths are by voting for an impeachment process against Ramaphosa.
Should a majority of 50% +1 of the 400 parliamentarians, support the adoption of the report, a Section 89 Committee will then be established and Ramaphosa will be subjected to impeachment proceedings.
Today the National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula declined the ATM’s second application for a secret ballot in order to protect renegade ruling party MPs who may be victimised should they contradict the party’s stance.
Parliament’s spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says the speaker using her powers as enjoined by the NA rules, has a right to exercise her discretion in determining the voting method to be employed when deciding on questions before the house.