Speaker Didiza Faces Calls to Recuse Herself from Ramaphosa Impeachment Inquiry

South Africa’s National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, known as Didiza, has rejected calls for her recusal from the parliamentary impeachment inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa, escalating a constitutional crisis that has divided opposition parties and raised questions about the legitimacy of the process.

In a direct response to opposition leader John Steenhuisen’s party, the DA, Didiza dismissed as “unjustified” the demands for her removal from the committee overseeing the impeachment proceedings. The African National Congress (ANC), which holds a majority in the Assembly, has repeatedly defended Didiza’s role, framing the opposition’s push as politically motivated. “There is no basis for such a call,” Didiza stated in a statement released late Tuesday, adding that the committee’s work would proceed “without interference.”

The standoff centers on the Phala Phala scandal, which has become the catalyst for Ramaphosa’s impeachment motion. Opposition parties, including the DA and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), argue that Didiza’s involvement in the committee undermines public trust, given her past statements and alleged ties to figures implicated in the controversy. The EFF’s Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has accused Didiza of “a clear conflict of interest,” while Steenhuisen’s party has threatened to boycott the committee if she remains.

Gana Sithole, the DA’s chief whip, confirmed on Tuesday that her party would not support a motion to recuse Didiza, effectively blocking any immediate action. “We are not prepared to lend legitimacy to a process that is already compromised,” Sithole told reporters, adding that the DA would instead focus on gathering evidence against Ramaphosa. The ANC, however, has dismissed such concerns as “distractions” and reiterated its commitment to the impeachment process under Didiza’s leadership.

The impasse has left the committee’s future in limbo, with legal experts warning that the constitutional validity of the proceedings could be called into question if Didiza remains in her role. The Public Protector’s office, which initially triggered the impeachment inquiry, has remained silent on the matter, though sources close to the investigation suggest We see closely monitoring developments.

Meanwhile, the ANC’s internal divisions over the issue have grown more pronounced. A faction of backbenchers, led by former Deputy President David Mabuza allies, has privately urged Didiza to step aside to avoid further erosion of the party’s credibility. However, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has publicly reaffirmed support for Didiza, framing the opposition’s demands as an attempt to “derail” the impeachment process.

The next critical juncture will come when the committee reconvenes on June 5, where Didiza’s continued presence—or absence—will determine whether the inquiry can proceed with any semblance of bipartisan support. For now, the political stalemate shows no signs of resolution, leaving Ramaphosa’s political future hanging in the balance.