ANC backs impeachment panel, defends Speaker amid GNU friction

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ANC backs impeachment panel, defends Speaker amid GNU friction The ANC parliamentary caucus has formally welcomed the establishment of the Section 89 Impeachment Committee, expressing full confidence that the multiparty panel will execute its duties with "strict impartiality". Addressing the media on Wednesday, ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli confirmed the party's support for the committee's constitution and the election of its chairperson Makashule Gana. The 31-member committee, which includes nine ANC representatives, is tasked with investigating allegations that President Cyril Ramaphosa may have breached the Constitution and his oath of office. Ntuli emphasised that the caucus expects the panel to work in a non-partisan manner, strictly adhering to parliamentary oversight responsibilities as outlined in Section 55 of the Constitution. "This process is essential to ensuring that the executive and organs of the State remain accountable," he stated. The ANC also rejected mounting pressure from opposition parties and Government of National Unity (GNU) partners calling for National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to recuse herself from the impeachment proceedings. Critics have argued that Didiza's senior position within the ANC compromises her ability to remain neutral. Ntuli dismissed these claims as "gratuitous allegations" that are devoid of merit. "There is absolutely no basis whatsoever to suggest that she will compromise the work of the Impeachment Committee," Ntuli said. "Didiza is a long-standing member and leader of the ANC who has demonstrated leadership acumen in dealing with governance matters over the years." The ANC also hit back at governance partners, UDM, whose leader and Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa, raised formal complaints regarding the operations of ANC parliamentary "study groups". Holomisa had flagged the groups in a letter to Didiza and Public Service Commission chairperson Professor Somadoda Fikeni, questioning whether the meetings allowed MPs to improperly interfere with