ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli has defended National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza against mounting demands from opposition parties that she recuse herself from proceedings related to the Phala Phala impeachment process. Ntuli stated that the ANC parliamentary caucus has formally rejected calls for Didiza to step aside, insisting that allegations of bias cannot be assumed without substantiated proof.
The impeachment committee, comprised of 31 members including nine from the ANC, convened on Monday and elected its chairperson, whom Ntuli described as a “level-headed member of parliament who understands the magnitude of the task at hand.” Ntuli expressed confidence that the committee would conduct its work in a dignified manner.
Ten opposition parties have united in calling for Didiza to withdraw from any involvement in the impeachment process. Ntuli characterized this demand as “strange,” noting it originated with the ATM and was subsequently adopted by allied parties. He emphasized that the Speaker is not a member of the impeachment committee and holds no direct role in its proceedings. Her office, he explained, provides logistical and legal support to parliamentary committees when required—a function she performs for all committees equally.
“The call that she must recuse herself is really devoid of any principle [and] has not been presented with a cogent argument,” Ntuli said. He reminded that when Didiza was elected Speaker in 2024, all members of parliament were aware she was not only an ANC member but also one of its longstanding leaders. He argued that impartiality cannot be dismissed solely based on political affiliation without evidence of actual misconduct.
Ntuli outlined three key actions Didiza took following the Constitutional Court’s directive: making the investigative panel’s report public to all members of parliament, forwarding the report to the President, and initiating the process to establish the impeachment committee. He stated that any claim of impartiality issues must be substantiated with evidence, not assumption.
Opposition parties have also called for a review of the committee’s terms of reference and the appointment of evidence leaders. Ntuli described these concerns as “irrational,” explaining that a rules committee subcommittee—sanctioned by the Speaker two weeks ago—is currently developing the procedural framework that will govern the impeachment committee’s work. This framework must be endorsed by the full house before the committee can finalize its own terms of reference and witness schedule.
“This work can’t be made to be a political prosecution by longstanding opponents and maybe even enemies of the President,” Ntuli said, stressing that the process must proceed legally and procedurally.
Addressing accusations that the ANC has prejudged the outcome, Ntuli denied any predetermined position. He noted that the ANC nominated an independent chairperson rather than insisting on one of its own members. He referenced a Monday morning caucus where opposition parties—excluding the ANC, IFP, PA, and Al Jama-ah—met to coordinate strategy, suggesting their subsequent disorganization when the ANC nominated Honorable Makashule Gana as chairperson revealed their expectations were unfounded.
Ntuli also addressed reported tensions between himself and ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula regarding committee appointments. He dismissed claims of conflict, explaining that his decision not to include the Deputy Chief Whip on the impeachment committee was based on prioritizing election preparations ahead of the November 4 deadline. He described the appointment process as a consultative engagement with national leadership through the Secretary General, not a source of discord.
“We work very well with the SG,” Ntuli affirmed. “As leaders of the ANC, we understand what is in the best interest of the movement and we act accordingly.”
Ntuli concluded by reaffirming his focus on his duties as Chief Whip, stating he approaches the role without regard for future political advancement and remains committed to executing the responsibilities assigned by the party.
