Makashule Gana: The MP at the Center of South Africa’s High-Stakes Phala Phala Impeachment Inquiry

As South Africa’s Parliament prepares to undertake one of the most consequential constitutional processes in its democratic history, one name has suddenly moved to the center of national attention: Makashule Gana.

The Rise Mzansi Member of Parliament was recently elected to chair Parliament’s Section 89 impeachment committee, a body tasked with overseeing the inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s involvement in the controversial Phala Phala matter. His appointment places him in a position that could significantly influence the direction of one of the country’s most closely watched political processes.

With supporters praising his experience and critics questioning his independence, Gana now faces the difficult challenge of steering a politically charged inquiry while maintaining public confidence in Parliament’s oversight role.

Who Is Makashule Gana?

Makashule Gana is a South African politician and Member of Parliament representing Rise Mzansi, a relatively new political movement that has sought to position itself as a reform-oriented force in South African politics.

Before joining Rise Mzansi in 2024, Gana built a lengthy political career that included involvement in student politics and earlier political structures. Over the years, he became known for his work in governance, policy debates, and parliamentary affairs.

His reputation as a seasoned politician helped secure broad support during the vote to select the chairperson of the impeachment committee.

Why Is Gana Suddenly in the Spotlight?

The answer lies in the Phala Phala impeachment inquiry.

Parliament recently established a 31-member impeachment committee following a Constitutional Court ruling connected to the Section 89 process involving President Cyril Ramaphosa. The committee’s responsibility is to examine allegations linked to the Phala Phala scandal and determine whether there is sufficient evidence of serious misconduct that could justify impeachment proceedings.

If the committee concludes that serious misconduct occurred, it may recommend further action to the National Assembly. Any eventual removal of a president would require support from at least two-thirds of Members of Parliament.

This makes the committee one of the most influential parliamentary structures currently operating in South Africa.

The Election Battle for Committee Chairperson

The contest for leadership of the impeachment committee quickly became a political battleground.

Parties aligned with the Government of National Unity backed Gana’s nomination, while opposition parties supported United Africans Transformation (UAT) leader Wonderboy Mahlatsi. After voting, Gana secured victory and was elected chairperson of the committee.

The outcome immediately generated strong reactions from political parties across the spectrum.

Among the most vocal critics was the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, which expressed disappointment over the result. The party argued that the committee should be led by someone it considers completely independent of political influence.

Opposition Questions Gana’s Independence

One of the most prominent criticisms came from MK Party parliamentary leader John Hlophe.

Following Gana’s election, Hlophe publicly questioned whether the Rise Mzansi politician could act independently during proceedings. He argued that the credibility of the process depended on having an impartial chairperson and suggested that Gana would help protect President Ramaphosa from accountability.

The criticism highlights the intense political divisions surrounding the inquiry.

For opposition parties, the concern is whether the committee will aggressively pursue accountability. For supporters of Gana’s appointment, the focus is on ensuring that the process remains orderly, constitutional, and free from political grandstanding.

Gana’s Response to Critics

Gana has firmly rejected suggestions that he cannot act independently.

Speaking after his election, he emphasized that his responsibility is to ensure proceedings are conducted “without fear, favour or prejudice.” He stated that the committee must work in a way that restores trust in Parliament and allows all participants, including MPs and witnesses, to be heard fairly.

He also stressed that South Africans should judge him based on his actions rather than political accusations.

“I am loyal to the Constitution and to the people of this country,” Gana said when responding to concerns raised by critics.

The Enormous Responsibility Ahead

Chairing the impeachment committee is no ordinary parliamentary assignment.

The committee includes several high-profile political figures from across South Africa’s political landscape, including:

• Julius Malema (EFF)
• John Hlophe (MK Party)
• Glynnis Breytenbach (DA)
• George Michalakis (DA)
• Mmusi Maimane (BOSA)
• Lerato Ngobeni (ActionSA)

Managing such a politically diverse and often confrontational group will require strong leadership and procedural discipline.

Gana himself acknowledged the scale of the responsibility, noting that the committee’s work could establish precedents for future impeachment processes in South Africa.

Understanding the Phala Phala Matter

The inquiry originates from the theft of foreign currency at President Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in 2020.

A previous Section 89 panel found that there may have been grounds to investigate whether the President committed serious violations of the Constitution or engaged in serious misconduct. Those findings eventually led to legal and parliamentary battles that culminated in the Constitutional Court directing Parliament to revisit the matter through a formal impeachment process.

The newly formed committee will now examine evidence, hear witnesses, and determine whether the allegations warrant further constitutional action.

Challenges Facing the Committee

Several factors could complicate the inquiry:

Legal Challenges

President Ramaphosa has launched legal efforts challenging aspects of the process and seeking judicial review of previous findings. Any court rulings could affect the committee’s work and timeline.

Political Tensions

The committee includes representatives from parties with sharply opposing views regarding the President and the inquiry itself. Maintaining procedural fairness will be essential to preventing the process from becoming a partisan spectacle.

Public Expectations

Many South Africans view the inquiry as a test of parliamentary accountability and constitutional democracy. The committee’s credibility will depend heavily on transparency and fairness.

Gana’s Vision for the Process

Throughout his early remarks as chairperson, Gana has repeatedly emphasized professionalism and constitutional integrity.

He has argued that the inquiry should not become a platform for political theatrics and has indicated that committee members will be given opportunities to participate fully while maintaining order and focus.

He also acknowledged that the process is unlikely to be completed quickly. Drawing comparisons to previous lengthy parliamentary investigations, Gana suggested that the committee will need time to evaluate evidence properly and ensure procedural fairness for all parties involved.

What Happens Next?

The committee is expected to continue organizing its procedures, including rules governing evidence, witness participation, and hearings.

Once operational, members will begin examining evidence related to the Phala Phala matter and determining whether the allegations meet the constitutional threshold for serious misconduct.

The outcome could have significant implications not only for President Ramaphosa but also for the future of parliamentary oversight in South Africa.

Conclusion

Makashule Gana’s election as chairperson of Parliament’s impeachment committee has instantly transformed him into one of the most closely watched political figures in South Africa.

Supporters see him as an experienced parliamentarian capable of guiding a difficult constitutional process. Critics question whether he can remain fully independent amid intense political pressures. Regardless of those competing views, the responsibility now resting on Gana’s shoulders is enormous.

As the Phala Phala inquiry unfolds, his leadership will play a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of fairness, accountability, and the strength of South Africa’s democratic institutions. The coming months will determine whether the committee can deliver a process that earns the confidence of Parliament, political parties, and the South African public alike.