In Conversation With Zama Ntshona ATM Spokesperson
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The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has formally called on Parliament to initiate impeachment proceedings against Cyril Ramaphosa in terms of Section 89 of the Constitution. This provision allows the National Assembly to remove a sitting president on grounds of serious misconduct, violation of the Constitution, or inability to perform the functions of office.
The ATM argues that there is now a convergence of evidence that meets the threshold for such proceedings. Central to their argument are findings by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which reportedly point to unlawful conduct by members of the Presidential Protection Unit. These allegations include the concealment of a crime and the misuse of state resources.
The party further links these findings to the 2022 Section 89 Independent Panel Report, which had already found prima facie evidence that the President may have breached constitutional and ethical obligations, particularly in relation to the handling of the Phala Phala matter. Additional weight is placed on an affidavit by Major-General Wally Rhoode, which allegedly places the President in close proximity to decisions made outside standard legal processes.
At the core of the ATM’s demand is not an immediate removal of the President, but the initiation of a formal parliamentary process under Rule 129A. This would involve appointing an independent panel to assess whether sufficient grounds exist for impeachment.
The call comes at a politically sensitive time, as South Africa approaches local government elections, where issues of accountability, governance, and ethical leadership are under heightened scrutiny.
The debate now centres on whether Parliament will act decisively on these calls, and how Members of Parliament will balance party loyalty with their constitutional obligations.
The ATM argues that there is now a convergence of evidence that meets the threshold for such proceedings. Central to their argument are findings by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which reportedly point to unlawful conduct by members of the Presidential Protection Unit. These allegations include the concealment of a crime and the misuse of state resources.
The party further links these findings to the 2022 Section 89 Independent Panel Report, which had already found prima facie evidence that the President may have breached constitutional and ethical obligations, particularly in relation to the handling of the Phala Phala matter. Additional weight is placed on an affidavit by Major-General Wally Rhoode, which allegedly places the President in close proximity to decisions made outside standard legal processes.
At the core of the ATM’s demand is not an immediate removal of the President, but the initiation of a formal parliamentary process under Rule 129A. This would involve appointing an independent panel to assess whether sufficient grounds exist for impeachment.
The call comes at a politically sensitive time, as South Africa approaches local government elections, where issues of accountability, governance, and ethical leadership are under heightened scrutiny.
The debate now centres on whether Parliament will act decisively on these calls, and how Members of Parliament will balance party loyalty with their constitutional obligations.
