Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee has recommended Advocate Thandazani Madonsela SC to serve as its evidence leader in proceedings linked to the Phala Phala matter.
The recommendation followed a vote by committee members, with nine MPs supporting Madonsela’s appointment and seven backing Advocate Kate Hofmeyr SC. A further 11 MPs abstained.
The committee’s recommendation will now be submitted to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, who will oversee the formal appointment process.
Meanwhile, MPs are considering legal advice on whether President Cyril Ramaphosa can be compelled to appear before the committee and give evidence.
The developments come as the Section 89 Committee challenges a Western Cape High Court ruling that temporarily suspended the impeachment process arising from the Phala Phala scandal.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), African Transformation Movement (ATM) and uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) have joined the legal application.
Last week, Ramaphosa obtained a High Court order temporarily halting the impeachment process while he challenges the findings of the Section 89 Independent Panel, which examined the allegations surrounding the theft of foreign currency from his Phala Phala farm.
The legal battle is expected to determine whether and how Parliament’s impeachment process can proceed while the president’s challenge to the panel’s findings remains before the courts.