Gana elected impeachment committee chair amid political divisions

Political divisions have emerged following the election of Rise Mzansi MP, Makashule Gana, as chairperson of Parliament’s Impeachment Committee, with political parties expressing mixed reactions to his appointment.

Gana was elected on Monday to chair Parliament’s Section 89 impeachment committee, which will investigate whether President Cyril Ramaphosa committed a serious violation of the Constitution in relation to the 2020 theft incident at his Limpopo farm.

The ANC, DA, PA, IFP, FF+ and Al Jama-ah voted in favour of Gana’s appointment.

Opposition parties including ActionSA, EFF, BOSA, ACDP, UDM, ATM, NCC, MKP and UAT opposed the nomination.

Despite this, Gana secured 19 votes, defeating UAT nominee, Wonderboy Mahlatse, who received 12.

The Impeachment Committee on the Section 89 Enquiry has elected Mr Makashule Gana as its Chairperson. Two members were nominated for the position: Dr Lehlohonolo Mahlatsi and Mr Makashule Gana. Following a vote by committee members, Mr Gana secured the support of 19 members,… pic.twitter.com/MLZIytMsCd

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) June 1, 2026

The appointment immediately drew mixed reactions, with some opposition parties arguing that the impeachment process must proceed swiftly while remaining free from political influence.

In a statement, Rise Mzansi defended Gana’s appointment, saying he would lead the process with integrity.

“Gana will be guided only by the rule of law and the Constitution of the Republic. He will chair this committee in a manner that befits the seriousness and solemnity of its mandate.”

Congratulations to Makashule Gana MP on his election as Chairperson of the Section 89 Impeachment Committee.

A clear endorsement of principled leadership and a firm commitment to accountability.#RISEMzansi #WeNeedNewLeaders #RiseInParliament pic.twitter.com/U5GJRMDZfn

— RISE Mzansi (@Rise_Mzansi) June 1, 2026

ActionSA, however, criticised the outcome, arguing that the committee should have been chaired by someone elected independently of the ANC’s support.

The party’s parliamentary leader, Lerato Ngobeni, described the result as “the second worst option”, saying the worst outcome would have been an ANC member leading an inquiry involving its own president.

“Our position was never about any individual candidate, but about the constitutional principle that accountability processes must be demonstrably independent of those with a direct interest in the continuation of the current administration.”

MKP MP, John Hlope, expressed his disappointment raising concerns about Gana’s ability to act impartially and independently without ANC influence.

“There’s a reason why we’re not supporting honourable Gana. We have been in Parliament for almost 2 years, and we have watched how he operates. Firstly, Rise Mzansi is a project of the ANC. Secondly, in the two years we’ve been here, he has never said anything against the ANC. He just toes the line. We want someone who will be truly independent because the role of a chairperson is critical going forward, because the mess was created by the ANC by attempting to protect and cushion Cyril Ramaphosa,” said Hlope. 

The committee’s work stems from allegations linked to the theft of foreign currency from Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo, a matter that has remained one of the most politically contentious issues of his presidency.

Speaking after his election, Gana said the committee would move ahead without delay.

“We will be communicating with all members of the committee regarding the next steps and processes that will be followed,” he said.

The committee is now expected to begin setting out its rules and procedures as it prepares for what could become one of Parliament’s most closely watched accountability processes ahead of the 2026 local government elections.