The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it’s concerned by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza’s decision not to oppose the urgent interdict application by President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala impeachment matter.
The DA says Didiza was supposed to defend Parliament’s constitutional processes but chose to file an explanatory affidavit to abide by the outcome of the Western Cape High Court on the matter, which will be heard in mid-July.
The party has pointed out that the majority of members in the Impeachment Committee had supported the bid to oppose the president’s interdict application.
Impeachment Committee Chairperson, Makashule Gana, has confirmed that he has today filed opposing papers.
DA Parliamentary leader George Michalakis says Didiza must put Parliament, the constitution and her responsibilities to the institution first.
“She cannot leave this to the impeachment committee. She is a representative of Parliament on all legal matters and creates the impression that the speaker puts the ANC above parliament. This is not the first such incident that creates this suspicion and the DA will continue to hold the speaker to account. Her core duty is to represent and defend the house free of political influence.”
Meanwhile, ActionSA has since said Didiza’s decision to not oppose the interdict is untenable and unacceptable.
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