CAPE TOWN - Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has written to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, calling on Parliament to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa’s application to have the Independent Panel Report reviewed and set aside.
Malema also called for an inclusive process in appointing legal representation for the Section 89 impeachment inquiry.
"Allowing the report to be challenged without opposition by the institution that established the process would undermine the authority, integrity and constitutional role of the National Assembly," Malema wrote.
The EFF leader argued that Didiza’s decision to abide by the court process, despite legal advice supporting opposition to the application, raises concerns about Parliament’s willingness to defend its institutional authority, independence and constitutional integrity.
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"The continued delay in taking a clear decision is undesirable and risks undermining confidence in Parliament's commitment to defend our own processes," Malema wrote.
He further alleged that Didiza is conflicted in the Section 89 matter because she was among the MPs who previously voted against the adoption of the report.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said Didiza had carefully considered legal advice, as well as the respective roles of the National Assembly and the impeachment committee, before deciding not to oppose the application.
“The Speaker, having considered all the views and processes, came to a conclusion that it will be important to file a notice to abide with an explanatory affidavit to complement the committee’s opposition papers and, most importantly, to explain to the court what Parliament has done to comply with the judgment of the Constitutional Court," Mothapo said.