Key Takeaways
- Makashule Gana of Rise Mzansi was elected chairperson of Parliament’s Section 89 impeachment committee on 1 June 2025.
- The committee includes high‑profile MPs from the EFF, DA, MK, Build One SA, ActionSA and others.
- Gana stresses that the committee must operate without fear, favour or prejudice and restore public trust in Parliament.
- He views the task as foundational, aiming to avoid political grandstanding and produce a report South Africans can feel represented by.
- Legal challenges, such as a possible court interdict, will be respected, but the committee will initially focus on matters within Parliament’s control.
- Gana intends to give all members a chance to be heard, listening more than speaking, and to learn from the shortcomings of the ad hoc committee on General Mkhwanazi.
- Immediate next steps involve amending parliamentary rules (subcommittee meeting on Thursday) before hearings can commence.
- The process is expected to be lengthy, akin to the Section 194 removal of former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, with thorough evidence examination.
- Gana’s election drew support from a broad coalition beyond the ANC, including DA, IFP, PA, FF+, Al Jama‑ah, highlighting a cross‑party mandate.
- He rejects accusations of bias, urging judgment based on his actions and loyalty to the Constitution and the people of South Africa.
Election as Committee Chairperson
Makashule Gana, a senior figure in Rise Mzansi, was elected chairperson of Parliament’s Section 89 impeachment committee on Monday, 1 June 2025. The election followed a nomination process that required consensus among multiple parliamentary parties. Gana’s victory marks the first time a Rise Mzansi member has assumed this pivotal oversight role, placing him at the centre of a historic constitutional process.
Composition of the Impeachment Committee
The committee comprises some of Parliament’s most seasoned and outspoken members: EFF leader Julius Malema, DA chief whip Glynnis Breytenbach, DA parliamentary leader George Michalakis, MK leader and official opposition head John Hlophe, Build One SA leader Mmusi Maimane, and ActionSA’s Lerato Ngobeni. This diverse lineup reflects a balance of governing and opposition voices, each bringing distinct perspectives to the impeachment inquiry.
Gana’s Perspective on Responsibility
When asked how it feels to hold “President Cyril Ramaphosa’s head in your hands,” Gana responded that he accepts the responsibility with both hands. He emphasised that his duty is to ensure the committee’s work proceeds without fear, favour or prejudice, guaranteeing open participation by MPs and witnesses. Restoring trust in Parliament, he said, will be the guiding principle behind the rules the committee will develop.
Background and Political Journey
Gana is a veteran political activist who began his career in the student movement Sasco and early ANC structures before serving in various roles within the Democratic Alliance. He left the DA in 2024 to join Rise Mzansi, bringing with him a reputation for pragmatism and bridge‑building. His experience in both student politics and party leadership informs his approach to the impeachment committee’s demanding tasks.
What’s at Stake: Seriousness and Solemnity
Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi described the committee’s work as requiring seriousness and solemnity. Gana echoed this, stating that the committee must not become a platform for political grandstanding. As the first-ever Section 89 impeachment committee, its proceedings will set a precedent for future accountability mechanisms, making it essential that the final report demonstrates genuine respect for the South African populace.
Handling Legal Challenges and Judicial Oversight
Regarding the possibility of legal papers seeking to interdict the commission’s proceedings, Gana said he would focus on matters within Parliament’s control. Should the courts issue a determination, the committee would respect that decision. At present, no such papers have been presented, and the committee plans to begin its work on 2 June, once internal preparations are complete.
Managing Strong Personalities and Learning from Past Committees
The committee includes several members known for strong, sometimes confrontational, styles. Gana’s strategy is to give each member a chance to be heard without needing to be loud; his role, he says, is to listen rather than dominate the discussion. He intends to avoid the pitfalls observed in the ad hoc committee that examined General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s claims, where political theatre often overshadowed fact‑finding.
Next Steps: Rule Amendments and Evidence Process
Immediate priorities include amending parliamentary rules governing impeachment, a task assigned to a subcommittee that will meet on Thursday. Once the rules are adjusted in line with Constitutional Court directives, the committee can commence hearings. Gana noted that the process will be iterative, with new evidence potentially emerging as witnesses are consulted, mirroring the lengthy Section 194 inquiry into former Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane.
Coalition Politics and Cross‑Party Support
Gana’s election was not solely an ANC affair; it secured backing from the DA, IFP, PA, FF+, Al Jama‑ah, and other parties. This broad coalition underscores his reputation as a unifier capable of bridging ideological divides. In Gauteng, Rise Mzansi participates in a coalition government that includes the EFF, illustrating Gana’s willingness to work with diverse partners when it serves national interests.
Response to Criticism from the Official Opposition
Official opposition leader John Hlophe has questioned Gana’s ability to remain dispassionate and independent. Gana’s reply is succinct: let his work speak for itself. He affirms his loyalty to the Constitution and the people of South Africa, insisting that judgment should be based on outcomes rather than pre‑emptive scepticism.
Conclusion: Commitment to Constitutional Duty
As the inaugural chairperson of the Section 89 impeachment committee, Makashule Gana faces a formidable task that will test his leadership, impartiality, and commitment to democratic accountability. By prioritising open dialogue, learning from past missteps, and adhering strictly to constitutional mandates, he aims to produce a report that not only addresses the immediate questions surrounding President Ramaphosa but also strengthens public confidence in Parliament’s oversight capabilities for years to come.