The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has strongly criticised National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza for her decision not to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa’s urgent court application aimed at halting impeachment proceedings against him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the EFF described Didiza’s decision as “reckless, irrational and irresponsible”, accusing her of failing to uphold Parliament’s constitutional responsibilities and undermining its independence as an arm of the state.
The party argued that impeachment proceedings are a constitutional mechanism intended to ensure accountability and are not a personal dispute between the President and his political opponents.
According to the EFF, Parliament has a duty to defend its authority and protect the separation of powers when impeachment proceedings are challenged in court.
The party said the Impeachment Committee had previously resolved, with overwhelming support from its members, to oppose Ramaphosa’s application to interdict the committee from continuing its work. The committee’s decision was reportedly based on legal advice that its mandate stems from a Constitutional Court judgment and that a lower court cannot halt a constitutionally mandated parliamentary process.
The EFF further claimed that Didiza had disregarded not only the legal opinion obtained by the Impeachment Committee but also legal advice she had commissioned herself, both of which allegedly recommended opposing the President’s application.
“How the Speaker arrived at this conclusion remains unclear, as no coherent legal basis has been provided,” the party said.
The EFF also raised concerns over whether Didiza intends to oppose Ramaphosa’s application to have the Ngcobo Panel report reviewed and set aside. The report forms a key part of the ongoing litigation relating to the impeachment process.
The party welcomed the decision by the chairperson of the Impeachment Committee to file a notice opposing the President’s application.
The EFF said Didiza’s conduct undermines Parliament’s integrity and independence and accused her of placing the interests of the ANC and President Ramaphosa above her constitutional obligations.
The party added that it is increasingly losing confidence in Didiza’s leadership, arguing that her actions continue to weaken Parliament’s role as an independent institution.
