No timeline Phala Phala Impeachment process takes shape: Gana
While there is public interest in how long the impeachment process may take, the newly appointed Impeachment committee chairperson, Makashule Gana, cautioned against setting deadlines prematurely.
Addressing reporters at his party's media briefing in Johannesburg, on Monday, Gana outlined the committee's immediate priorities, its commitment to transparency, and the steps that will be taken before timelines for the inquiry can be determined.
The newly established parliamentary impeachment committee has been preparing to begin its work.
The committee was established after the Constitutional Court ruled that the National Assembly's vote to end investigations into the robbery at President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala game farm.
The first impeachment process against a president.
“So, once we have the witnesses, we'll give a time frame. At the moment, it will be wishful on my side, let's allow the committee to have its second meeting, where we'll deal with the terms of reference.”
Gana made it clear that the impeachment committee would continue with its preparations despite court action related to the process.
He said the committee was already preparing for its first meeting and intends to convene before Parliament goes into recess later this month.
According to Gana, legal correspondence or pending court applications would not be sufficient grounds to suspend the committee's work.
"The work can only be halted or stopped when ordered by a competent court," he said.
One of the committee's first responsibilities will be establishing the framework that will govern its work.
Gana said members must agree on terms of reference, which will define the scope and operation of the inquiry. The committee will also establish rules governing how members engage with one another and how witnesses will participate in proceedings.
A key initial step would be the appointment of evidence leaders who would assist the committee in examining evidence and guiding proceedings.
Gana stressed that the process would be conducted transparently and not behind closed doors.
Political parties represented on the committee will have an opportunity to contribute to the process, including making nominations.
"The process must be owned by the committee," Gana said, emphasing that decisions would not be driven solely by the chairperson.
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