The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has welcomed the announcement of the 31-member Section 89 Committee by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, while simultaneously reiterating its position that President Cyril Ramaphosa should voluntarily resign rather than face impeachment proceedings.
MK Party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu stated that while the party is pleased the committee members have finally been named, it believes the impeachment process will prove “wildly embarrassing” for the President. Mahlangu argued that Ramaphosa would be required to appear before the committee, including potential examination by committee members such as Dr. Lichfield Chabalala, and urged the President to “do the honorable thing and resign.”
Mahlangu referenced a prior finding by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo against President Ramaphosa, noting that while the Constitutional Court later returned the matter to Parliament, the President should still consider stepping down. He contended that the impeachment process would divert MPs from their core responsibilities and that the decision to retain Ramaphosa ahead of elections remains “the ANC’s problem,” not in the best interest of the republic.
Responding to questions about allowing the process to unfold for public clarity, Mahlangu asserted that the Constitutional Court’s ruling aligned with public sentiment and the positions of parties such as ATM and the EFF. He described Ramaphosa’s position as “precarious,” given the ANC’s historical defense of him, and argued that prolonging his tenure is “unfair to the markets” and to citizens awaiting development. Mahlangu cited several government initiatives—including the YES project, the Solidarity project, and the national dialogue—as having “completely failed” under the current administration.
The spokesperson suggested Ramaphosa should undergo any accountability process “outside of government” and accused the President of attempting to delay proceedings through legal reviews. Mahlangu noted that with the ANC’s elective conference approaching, Ramaphosa faces three potential outcomes: removal by his party, impeachment by Parliament, or legal consequences related to the Phala Phala matter. “Whichever will come first, the president is going down,” Mahlangu stated, adding that the President should begin preparing his defense and vacate the Union Buildings.
On the topic of Africa Day and recent public demonstrations concerning undocumented foreign nationals, Mahlangu clarified that the MK Party has not formally affiliated with the “March and March” protests. While acknowledging that individuals wearing MK Party attire have participated, he emphasized that such attendance occurs in a personal capacity. He specifically noted that Bishop Nela’s recent appearance wearing MK regalia was not an official party endorsement. Mahlangu stated that any future decision regarding formal involvement would be communicated via an official statement, dismissing contrary claims as “propaganda.”
He confirmed that MK Party leadership has engaged with the protest organizers due to the party’s significant presence in KwaZulu-Natal and its commitment to community safety and development. An upcoming meeting between the party chairperson and protest leadership is anticipated, though Mahlangu stressed there is currently no formal agreement or alliance.
Regarding immigration policy, Mahlangu reaffirmed the MK Party’s position that all immigration to South Africa must occur within the legal framework. He stated that individuals residing or operating in the country must possess valid documentation and that undocumented persons should return to their countries of origin. Mahlangu emphasized that the party does not require endorsement from other organizations to uphold this stance, asserting it as a position of a “duly elected party.”
