Section 89 committee withdraws Madonsela recommendation after Ramaphosa objects

Parliament’s Legal Department has concluded that there are no grounds for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s objection to the recommended evidence leader for the Impeachment Committee, Advocate Thandazani Madonsela. Ramaphosa expressed reservations concerning two instances of potential conflict of interest. He argued that following his removal of Madonsela from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) shortly after the 2022 interviews for the chief justice appointment, there is a reasonable concern that Madonsela may have a grudge against him.

The second issue pertains to Madonsela's public remarks about the Phala Phala theft during a discussion with an African National Congress (ANC) study group.

Michael Prince, Parliament’s Legal Advisor, was consulted by the committee on the proper course of action. Prince stated that "the present information does not establish a genuine conflict of interest." However, the revelation that the advice was given to the ANC is new information. He added, "That fact alone may justify the committee formally discussing Ramaphosa’s objection, not because the committee's initial recommendation was invalid, but to ensure that the requirement of no actual or perceived conflict of interest is upheld."