ANC raises concerns over Madonsela's past legal work amid impeachment scrutiny

The African National Congress (ANC) has raised concerns about the past legal work of Adv Thandazani Madonsela SC, who has been appointed as Evidence Leader for Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee. The ANC revealed that Madonsela previously provided legal advice to the party regarding matters relating to the parliamentary process.

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has forwarded the ANC's communication to the committee chair for consideration. The ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, affirmed that Madonsela had been instructed by the party to offer legal advice on Section 89 parliamentary rules and processes. The ANC's disclosure came after the committee decided to recommend Madonsela for the role.

However, the ANC emphasized that the disclosure does not constitute an objection to Madonsela's appointment or challenge his integrity or independence. Instead, they wanted the information formally recorded before the appointment process concluded. The matter now lies with the Section 89 committee, which had previously decided to select an Evidence Leader through its own procedures.

Didiza noted that the ANC's concerns pertain directly to the committee's deliberations and decisions and should be addressed by the committee itself. She has thus refrained from making any judgment on Madonsela's suitability or the potential conflict arising from his previous work for the ANC. The Speaker's office stated that it would be inappropriate for Didiza to pre-empt the committee or comment on matters falling within its purview.

Any issue related to the committee's decision on the Evidence Leader should be considered by the committee. The committee will need to take into account the ANC's disclosure as part of its ongoing process before making a final decision. The ANC's disclosure does not imply the rejection or withdrawal of Madonsela's appointment; it simply places his previous legal work for the party on record, allowing the committee to determine if it has any bearing on his role in the impeachment process.