Phala Phala report to be debated in Parliament next month

Parliament is scheduled to meet early next month to discuss the Section 89 panel’s report on the Phala Phala scandal.

This was revealed in the National Assembly’s Programming Committee meeting on Thursday.

The report will now be debated by MPs in the House on 6 December, thus, extending Parliament’s term.

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The National Assembly was expected to adjourn on 1 December, and then go on a constituency period from 5 to 15 December.

In addition, the leave period kicks off from 19 December to 6 January 2023, according to the parliamentary draft programme.

‘Key issues’

During Thursday’s meeting, Democratic Alliance (DA) chief whip, Siviwe Gwarube welcomed the 6 December date, saying it was important “this matter is wrapped up before Parliament rises”.

African National Congress (ANC) chief whip, Pemmy Majodina and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) MP Narend Singh also accepted the date for the debate.

READ MORE: No final report yet from ANC integrity commission on Phala Phala as Ramaphosa remains mum

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) deputy president, Floyd Shivambu, however, said: “Let’s have the consideration as to what are the possible recommendations that can come out of that report so that we do not go to a recess without having exhausted some of the key issues that might arise out of that report”.

The panel’s report will also be distributed to MPs before the sitting.

The scheduling of the debate comes after the Section 89 panel was granted a 13 day extension – until 30 November – to complete its work and submit a report to National Assembly, Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.

The independent panel had initially been given until 17 November to assess all information received, conduct any additional research and deliberate on the facts regarding the Phala Phala matter.

The three-person panel has to make a recommendation in its report on whether there is a prima facie case for Ramaphosa’s impeachment.

Process

Ramaphosa could face a section inquiry if the panel finds that the president has a prima facie case to answer, however, there is a process.

Firstly, the Speaker must immediately table the panel’s report with the findings and recommendations before the National Assembly for consideration once she receives it.

Ramaphosa must also be informed on when the report will be scheduled for the National Assembly to consider and the decision on the report.

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After this, MPs in the National Assembly will have to vote whether the House adopts the resolution that Ramaphosa should face a Section 89 Inquiry, which is a process that may lead to his removal from office.

If approved by the House, a Section 89 Committee will then be established and Ramaphosa will be subjected to impeachment proceedings.

The Section 89 Inquiry will be similar to the Section 194 Inquiry, which suspended Public Protector – Busisiwe Mkhwebane – is currently facing.

A majority of 201 votes would be needed to vote in favour of Ramaphosa’s impeachment if the Section 89 Committee recommend the president’s removal from office.