National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has outlined the next step in the establishment of the Section 89 Impeachment Committee, confirming that political parties must submit nominations by 22 May 2026.
In a statement, Parliament said: “Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, has determined the next step in the National Assembly process regarding the composition of the Impeachment Committee, in accordance with section 89 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.”
It added that the Speaker consulted the Chief Whips Forum ahead of finalising the structure, describing the process as complex.
“Given that the impeachment committee process constitutes uncharted procedural terrain for Parliament, the Speaker this morning engaged the National Assembly Chief Whips Forum, comprising Chief Whips and representatives of political parties represented in the Assembly, regarding the determination for the composition of the committee.”
The statement further confirms that parties will be formally requested to submit names of MPs who will serve on the committee.
“Following these engagement, political parties will today be requested to submit the names of Members who will serve on the committee to the National Assembly Secretariat by the close of business on Friday, 22 May 2026.”
On the composition, Didiza said the framework balances representation and inclusivity.
“In determining the composition of the Impeachment Committee, the Speaker considered not only the constitutional principle of proportional representation, but also the need for inclusivity and broad participation in this unprecedented parliamentary process.”
The committee will comprise 31 members from 16 political parties, with the ANC holding nine seats, the DA five, MKP three, and the EFF two, while smaller parties will each be allocated one seat.
“The Speaker has also referred the Constitutional Court judgment to the National Assembly Subcommittee on the Review of Rules to consider and process the amendments required to the Rules of the National Assembly.”
Saturday Star