Experts dismiss concerns over ANC leading Ad Hoc Committee

Legal and Governance analyst, Leo Maphosa, has acknowledged the validity of concerns raised by several Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding the impartiality of Soviet Lekganyane as chairperson of the ad hoc committee.

Maphosa suggests that these concerns highlight a broader issue: how can the public have confidence in the fairness of an investigation that could potentially implicate those in positions of power?

Lekganyane, an African National Congress (ANC) MP, was appointed to lead the committee tasked with investigating allegations of corruption within the police, following a bombshell media briefing last month by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Opposition parties including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), and ActionSA – have argued that Lekganyane’s appointment presents a clear conflict of interest, particularly given that the probe could implicate members of the ANC and its Government of National Unity (GNU) partners.

“There’s a difference between not being happy with the ANC occupying the position of a chairperson and with a person occupying it. The impression must not be created that we have a problem with you (Soviet Lekganyane). We have a problem with the ANC holding that position.” -… pic.twitter.com/70ChZW37uy

— (@ZizinjaAbelungu) August 5, 2025

However, Maphosa emphasizes that while the concerns are legitimate, Members of Parliament are ultimately expected to act in the national interest — regardless of their political affiliation.

“Additionally, I think we must not fail to acknowledge the real political play. With the current configuration of parliament as it is, frankly, it is improbable that a non-GNU member would hold any strategic commitment. Political power flows from numbers, and unless there is a seismic reconfiguration, GNU-affiliated chairpersons or members are bound to preside over most, if not all, of these important mechanisms of oversight.”

Political analyst Professor, Sam Koma, has also weighed in on the matter, arguing that the opposition’s concerns are misplaced.

Speaking to Ynews, he emphasised that parliamentary rules do not stipulate that the chairperson of an ad hoc committee must come from an opposition party.

Political analyst, Bongani Mahlangu, agrees with Professor Koma, suggesting that the concerns raised by MP’s may be overstated.

He emphasizes that as a senior ANC figure, Lekganyane should understand that attempting to shield the party during a high-profile public process, particularly with elections on the horizon, would likely backfire politically and further harm the ANC’s credibility.

“So I think that him or the ANC chairing the committee is neither here nor there. Yes, in terms of aesthetics, it may not look good that the same organisation that is at the centre of everything is now chairing such a committee,” said Mahlangu.

“But when we look into the functions, it might be very difficult for him or his comrades to do that, to try and steer the committee away from its terms of reference and its objective for establishment. So it’s going to be very difficult for them to do that. And also remember, Parliament unanimously agreed on this,” he added.