Cape Town – Thoko Didiza, the Speaker of the National Assembly, has expressed her plan to file a notice that includes an explanatory affidavit to accompany the opposition papers from the Impeachment Committee.
The Speaker will not oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa’s urgent plea to halt the Impeachment Committee’s operations until the court reviews the unfavorable Section 89 Report.
“The explanatory affidavit is intended to assist the court by emphasizing the factors it should consider for a final decision, particularly the National Assembly’s strict constitutional duties in pursuing and completing the Section 89 proceedings,” Parliament stated in a release on Sunday, 21 June 2026.
Recently, the President’s legal team approached the Speaker’s Office with a request to suspend the Impeachment Committee’s functions until the issue is resolved in the Western Cape High Court.
“This request was declined, as compliance would amount to contempt of court. Under the Rules of the National Assembly, the matter falls within the authority of the Impeachment Committee and should remain undisturbed,” Parliament clarified.
“In light of this, the President has sought an urgent interdict to halt the Committee’s activities while the Review Application is pending.”
“The interdict application has also been delivered to the Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Makashule Gana.”
The Impeachment Committee convened to formulate its response to the Application and resolved to contest it as a unit, while also seeking the Speaker’s backing for its stance.
Consequently, the Committee Chair, Hon. Gana, contacted the Speaker with a request to challenge the President’s application.
Various political factions within Parliament have also provided their viewpoints to the Speaker on this issue.
“After considering all submissions and processes, the Speaker determined that it is vital to file a notice to participate with an explanatory affidavit to reinforce the committee’s opposition papers, particularly to clarify Parliament’s actions in alignment with the Constitutional Court’s ruling,” the statement noted.
“Given the contents of the explanatory affidavit, the Speaker believes that this stance is not only crucial but also compatible with the distinct roles and duties of the Assembly concerning the Impeachment Committee.”
In reaction, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemned the Speaker’s decision not to contest President Ramaphosa’s urgent application for an interdict against the impeachment proceedings in the Western Cape High Court as reckless, irrational, and irresponsible.
“This choice signifies a flagrant neglect of constitutional obligations by the Speaker and jeopardizes the established standards vital for preserving Parliament’s integrity and independence as a state institution,” remarked the EFF.
“When Parliament undertakes impeachment proceedings, it does so on behalf of the South African people to uphold its constitutional oversight duty.
“Therefore, it is the Speaker’s responsibility to defend Parliament’s authority and ensure the separation of powers is maintained.”
