Thandazani Madonsela rejects Ramaphosa’s impeachment committee objections

Advocate Thandazani Madonsela SC has rejected objections raised by President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding his appointment as the evidence leader for Parliament’s Impeachment Committee. The President expressed concerns of a potential conflict of interest, suggesting Madonsela might harbor grievances following his removal as a presidential designee to the Judicial Service Commission in 2022. Ramaphosa also cited legal advice Madonsela previously provided to the African National Congress (ANC) regarding parliamentary rules.

In a response to Parliament’s senior legal adviser, Madonsela argued that these concerns are unfounded and that all relevant information had been disclosed prior to the committee’s recommendation. He maintained that the principles regarding the recusal of adjudicators do not apply to an evidence leader, as the role does not involve deciding the final outcome of the inquiry.

The Impeachment Committee has resolved to refer the President’s letter for a legal opinion to determine its subsequent options.