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  1. Aug 19

    Ramaphosa objects to impeachment evidence leader at eleventh hour

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has objected to the person chosen by Parliament’s Section 89 Committee to lead evidence in its inquiry into his possible impeachment. The committee heard on Wednesday that the Presidency had written to its chairperson, Makashule Gana, and Speaker Thoko Didiza, objecting to the appointment of Advocate Thandazani Madonsela SC, who is from the Durban Bar. The committee resolved to recommend Madonsela for the role two weeks ago. Parliament said it received the president’s letter on Tuesday night, hours before Wednesday’s committee meeting, with Ramaphosa citing a conflict of interest. Chairperson Gana said the legal team was studying the letter and looking at options for the committee. The development has drawn criticism from opposition parties in Parliament, with some accusing the president of attempting to interfere with the committee’s work. The MK Party objected to the president’s request during Wednesday morning’s meeting, while EFF leader Julius Malema said Ramaphosa could not dictate who should lead evidence before the committee. “He’s not going to choose his own judge. That’s what he’s doing. This is the sole responsibility of the committee,” Malema said. Committee members said the request is intertwined with the ANC’s request by secretary-general Fikile Mbalula. ANC MPs were mum on the matter. Gana explained that the matter was being studied by the legal team to ensure the process is protected, as “it will be challenged every step of the way”. The Section 89 Committee is tasked with considering whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant recommending the removal of the president from office. In July, Ramaphosa’s legal team successfully secured a temporary suspension of the Section 89 inquiry pending the outcome of a legal challenge relating to the Phala Phala report. The matter is expected to be decided next month. The committee is continuing to deliberate on the president’s objection on Wednesday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Podcasts and similar audio content from the Arena Holdings group, publishers of the Sunday Times, Business Day, The Times, Sowetan, etc. News-orientated editorial content Keywords: podcast, multimedia, politics, entertainment, news and views, economy, South Africa

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