United Africans Transformation’s Dr Wonder Mahlatsi received 12 votes.
The impeachment committee was established a week ago after a court ruling directed Parliament to set up a committee for President Cyril Ramaphosa to answer to prima facie evidence relating to foreign currency stolen from Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in 2020.
Gana described the Chairperson role as one carrying major responsibility in a process involving fairness, constitutional compliance and adherence to National Assembly rules.
Speaking to the SABC, Gana said the work of the Chairperson would include ensuring a fair process for committee members and for Ramaphosa, while also making sure all political parties represented on the committee are heard fully during proceedings.
Gana said the committee would consist of 30 members following the election of a Chairperson. Gana also said preparations would now begin with Parliament’s committee section on the first meeting, working methods, appointment of evidence leaders, terms of reference and other administrative matters.
According to Gana, the broader aim of the process is to restore trust in Parliament and strengthen accountability by ensuring scrutiny of the executive is conducted properly.
Gana also stressed the importance of order inside the committee, saying previous parliamentary experience had shown that cooperation among political parties could improve the functioning of such structures. Gana said impartiality would be essential so that committee findings can withstand legal scrutiny.
On the election process, Gana said lobbying among parties had continued until the start of the meeting and described last-minute negotiation as a normal part of parliamentary politics. Gana said discussions with political parties had begun last week and had continued through different possible outcomes.
Gana also said a chairperson from outside the ANC was important for public confidence in the process, particularly because the impeachment matter concerns the executive. Gana said support from parties outside larger formations was also significant in building trust.
Gana thanked the ANC for the nomination and thanked the DA, Freedom Front Plus, Patriotic Alliance, Al Jama-ah and Inkatha Freedom Party for support during the vote.
Gana said the next phase would focus on administrative preparation, legal processes, terms of reference, time frames and possible witnesses as the committee begins formal work.
–ChannelAfrica–
