ANC insists on chairing Ramaphosa impeachment committee despite opposition
via The Citizen2 min read
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has criticized Build One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane for suggesting the ANC should not lead the impeachment committee investigating the robbery at President Cyril Ramaphosa鈥檚 Phala-Phala farm. Maimane believes an ANC Member of Parliament leading the committee could compromise its integrity. Mbalula stated that Maimane, who holds one seat in parliament, is creating his own rules and that the ANC will not support his nomination for committee chairperson. Mbalula asserted that the ANC has a history of holding its members accountable, citing the Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as an example of their impartiality and integrity. The Democratic Alliance, a partner in the government of national unity, also opposes an ANC member chairing the committee, with spokesperson Jan de Villiers stating that neither an ANC nor a DA member should lead it, advocating for a more impartial chairperson. De Villiers emphasized that the committee must be objective and ensure a fair and transparent process to hold the highest office accountable. The impeachment committee consists of 31 members from various political parties in the national assembly.
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Judge Matthew Francis has shown little sympathy for President Cyril Ramaphosa's concerns regarding the Section 89 impeachment process, stating that Ramaphosa was aware of the process before becoming president and that "humiliation is part of the job." This occurred during the Western Cape High Court hearing of Ramaphosa's urgent application to halt the impeachment proceedings pending a review of the Section 89 Independent Panel report. Advocates for the African Transformation Movement ATM and MK party argued that Ramaphosa has fabricated issues concerning the impeachment process. Ramaphosa's lawyer, Advocate Wim Trengove SC, questioned whether the panel applied the correct test in concluding that the president had a case to answer, emphasizing the need for "sufficient evidence." Trengove also reiterated the president's fear of a "humiliation ritual" if the impeachment process proceeds before his review application. However, Judge Francis noted that the review application could lead to further legal processes, potentially delaying a definitive statement on the president's actions and keeping the public waiting. He suggested that accountability mechanisms should continue in parallel with the review. Trengove countered that while people must be protected against "delinquent presidents," they also need protection against impeachment proceedings that could humiliate a president without justification. He also argued that the president should not be blamed for delays in the case, as
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga emphasized the need for government to move beyond policy and address inaccessible schools, stigma, and a lack of resources to ensure quality education for students with disabilities. Speaking at the Recreation Aid Foundation Graduation Ceremony, Chikunga stated that the primary obstacles to inclusive education in South Africa are not disabilities themselves, but rather exclusionary education systems and environments. She highlighted that many schools, particularly in townships, rural areas, and farming communities, remain inaccessible, preventing students from participating with dignity. Chikunga also pointed out that a shortage of assistive devices and insufficient teacher training undermine inclusive education, noting that students with disabilities are often perceived as "problems" or "extra work." She called for special schools to be transformed into resource hubs for mainstream schools, offering specialist expertise and adaptive curricula. Chikunga also advocated for stronger pathways between schools, Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, community projects, and employers to improve employment opportunities for young people with disabilities. She announced initiatives such as a R1 billion Disability Support Fund from the Department of Higher Education's National Skills Fund and a proposal to pair special schools with state-owned enterprises for infrastructure
The start of the second semester at several higher education institutions is approaching, but some students are still awaiting approval from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme Nsfas to register. Deputy Higher Education and Training Minister Yusuf Cassim met with Nsfas Administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula to address concerns including delayed allowances, registration challenges, and appeals. Cassim expressed alarm that Nsfas had not yet committed to funding students for the second semester, with the administrator citing a funding deficit and ongoing finalization of their submission to the ministry. The meeting also highlighted lengthy delays in GAP investigations, which verify student eligibility for funding. Cassim noted it is unacceptable for students to wait up to five months for these investigations to be completed. Nsfas reported that academic data is still pending from institutions for 4,138 students with incomplete GAP investigations, though 2,361 have been completed. Additionally, Cassim questioned the timing of Nsfas allowance payments, which are transferred about a week into each month, leaving institutions with limited time to process payments to students. He specifically requested changes to Unisa's payment schedule for the R316 personal care allowance. Nsfas acknowledged this concern and committed to investigating the matter.