Phala Phala extension concern for MPS as recess nears
OPPOSITION parties have described the deadline extension of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala probe that was requested by Section 89 Independent Panel as a delay tactic and unacceptable.
The inquiry is focusing on whether Ramaphosa has a case to answer regarding the Phala Phala saga, following a robbery that took place at his farm in Limpopo in 2020.
In June, former SSA boss Arthur Fraser claimed that Ramaphosa concealed a crime, the affidavit claimed that $4 million had been staged in a couch on the farm. Fraser also opened a case of kidnapping and one of money laundering against Ramaphosa.
The panel is assessing information that the ATM, EFF and UDM have submitted and Ramaphosa has responded to.
The assessment is done in terms of the National Assembly rule 129 and follows a draft substantive motion that ATM leader Vuyolwethu Zungula had brought, calling for the removal of Ramaphosa in terms of Section 89 of the Constitution.
On Wednesday, National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-nqakula extended the deadline on which the independent panel of experts will submit its report from November 17 to 30.
The panel was scheduled to make its submission today, the same day as Ramaphosa’s birthday.
“The National Assembly Speaker has granted the panel extension, this follows a letter by panel chair retired Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo requesting extension due to the amount of work still to be done,” said Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo.
Ngcobo is working with retired
Judge Thokozile Masipa and advocate Mahlape Sello.
Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe: “I am not convinced that they needed more time. But this does not come as a surprise. The stakes are too high. And Judge Ngcobo is very meticulous. He would like to deliver a solid recommendation,” Seepe said.
FF Plus leader Dr Pieter Groenewald said although reasons given by the panel for extension were that it’s a lot of work and that they want to do a thorough investigation may create an impression that they want to do a proper job on the matter.
“But what is not said, is the fact that if they extend to November 30, on December 1 we will have the last sitting of Parliament then there will be a recess as far as sittings are concerned and Parliament will open in February next year,” said Groenewald.
The EFF said the extension meant that the report cannot be tabled and heard in Parliament this year.
UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said he believed the panel had a lot to attend to hence the extension; he also dismissed claims of delay tactics, saying he did not think Ngcobo would stoop that low.