Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee has resolved to request President Cyril Ramaphosa to appear before the inquiry as it continues its probe into the theft of foreign currency at his Phala Phala game farm. The committee finalised this decision on 5 August 2026, following the receipt of legal advice confirming the President’s obligation to account for his actions before the legislative body.
Legal Standing And Evidentiary Strategy
The committee, which was established following a May 2026 Constitutional Court ruling, has been advised that the President falls under the definition of ‘any person’ who can be summoned under Section 56 of the Constitution. While the committee retains the legal authority to issue a summons, members have expressed a preference for a voluntary appearance to maintain decorum during the proceedings.
We hope that the matter will not reach the point where the President must be summoned. However, if he refuses to appear, the committee will have to summon him.
Chairperson Makashule Gana confirmed that the committee has already recommended Advocate Thandazani Madonsela SC to serve as the evidence leader for the inquiry. To ensure a structured process, the committee resolved that President Ramaphosa will not be called as the first witness, aiming instead to establish a comprehensive evidentiary case for him to address.
In considering the legal opinion, the committee agreed that the President will not be the first witness to appear before the committee. It must first establish a case to which the President can respond.
The committee is now expected to formally communicate the request to the President’s office, with further details on the hearing schedule to be finalised in the coming weeks.