Impeachment committee to oppose court challenge on leader

The parliamentary committee tasked with the impeachment inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa has voted to oppose legal challenges seeking to overturn its decision to rescind the nomination of Advocate Thandazani Madonsela as evidence leader. The Section 89 committee resolved on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, by a vote of 19 to nine, to defend its earlier decision. This means the committee will contest urgent applications filed in the Western Cape High Court by both the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the African Legal Professionals Association (ALPA). The committee has also paused the process of selecting another evidence leader while the court proceedings are underway. This decision was made to allow the court to consider the legality of the rescission before any new appointment is made. The EFF's application, which sought an urgent hearing on September 18, 2026, aims to set aside the committee's decision to withdraw Madonsela's nomination and prevent any further appointments pending the litigation's outcome. President Ramaphosa had previously objected to Madonsela's appointment, citing potential conflicts of interest.