Parly sets 10 July deadline for nominees as impeachment inquiry process takes shape
The Section 89 Impeachment Committee has moved to set a clear timeline for the nomination of evidence leaders as it continues to shape the framework for a possible inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The committee is finalising its draft terms of reference and establishing the process for appointing evidence leaders, a key step in ensuring that any future impeachment proceedings are properly structured and legally compliant.
During proceedings, Legal Services representative Suanne Isaacs reiterated that the appointment process must comply with strict procurement and governance rules under the Financial Management of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, with oversight from the Solicitor General.
Officials stressed that Parliament’s Secretary acts as the accounting officer and that all appointments must meet standards of fairness, transparency and cost-effectiveness.
"The title of it is, Proceeded to Procure the Services of an Evidence Leader and Assistance Evidence Leader to Assist the Impeachment Committee with the Section 89 Inquiry into the Removal of the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency President Ramaphosa."
Isaacs explained that any external legal appointment must follow established procurement processes, including approval from the Solicitor General and compliance with both internal parliamentary policies and state legal frameworks.
"Any appointment of an evidence leader must comply with the prescribed procurement principles… including fairness, transparency, competitiveness, and cost-effectiveness."
The committee was also briefed on its own role in initiating the appointment process, including identifying the need for evidence leaders and nominating suitable legal practitioners based on the complexity and scope of the inquiry.
Strict qualification criteria have been proposed, requiring evidence leaders to be senior legal practitioners with at least 15 years’ experience, with expertise in constitutional, administrative and evidentiary law, and the ability to operate under high-pressure public scrutiny.
"They must have the capacity to work long hours under pressure… and not have any real or perceived conflict of interest," Isaacs noted.
Assistant evidence leaders would require between five and ten years’ experience, with similar professional competencies.
The process would also involve political parties represented in the committee, which will submit nominations that will be vetted and shortlisted by Legal Services and the Office of the Solicitor General before a final recommendation is made.
In a key development, Committee Chairperson Makashule Gana proposed a firm deadline for political parties to submit nominees by 10 July 2026, to ensure the process moves forward efficiently.
"It’s my suggestion, Honourable Members. And can we agree on the deadline to submit the nominees as the 10th of July 2026? Can we agree to that? Political parties, submit your nominees and then there will be that process that will happen in the background. A short list will be presented based on availability and people willing to take the case and all the criteria that’s there and then the committee will make the final recommendation. Can it be minuted the 10th of July 2026?”
Once nominations are received, Legal Services will compile a shortlist based on eligibility and availability, after which the committee will make the final decision on appointments.
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