As chairperson, Gana will now lead the committee in carrying out its responsibilities under Section 89 of the Constitution.
After lengthy and intense negotiations among political parties, Rise Mzansi Chief Whip Makashule Gana was elected chairperson of the Impeachment Committee for the Section 89 Enquiry yesterday.
In a surprise move, the ANC set aside its expected nominee, Doris Mpapane and threw its weight behind Gana, who secured backing from the DA, Patriotic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Freedom Front Plus, Rise Mzansi and Al Jama-Ah.
The committee was established after the Constitutional Court directed Parliament to investigate whether there are valid grounds to recommend President Cyril Ramaphosa's removal from office.
The race to chair the impeachment committee probing the Phala Phala scandal was filled with drama, political jabs and squabbles. It kicked off with a verbal duel between ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, who effectively dismissed Maimane as the leader of a single-seat party, and BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane, who had put his hand up to steer the high-stakes inquiry.
