The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has welcomed Parliament’s decision to appoint Advocate Thandazani Madonsela SC as the evidence leader for the Section 89 Impeachment Committee, describing the move as a significant step in South Africa’s first impeachment inquiry against a sitting president.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party said Madonsela’s appointment followed his nomination by EFF Treasurer-General and committee member Omphile Maotwe.
The EFF said Madonsela secured the backing of the MK Party, ATM, BOSA, ACDP and AUT, defeating the Democratic Alliance’s preferred candidate, Advocate Homeyr, by nine votes to seven.
According to the party, the DA’s nominee was supported by the Freedom Front Plus and ActionSA, while the ANC abstained from the vote.
The EFF said the appointment comes at a pivotal moment for South Africa’s constitutional democracy, as the committee conducts what it described as the country’s first impeachment inquiry against a sitting president since the advent of democracy.
The party said the process would set an important precedent for how Parliament exercises one of its most significant constitutional oversight responsibilities.
The EFF expressed confidence that Madonsela would carry out his duties professionally, independently and without fear, favour or prejudice.
It highlighted his more than 30 years of legal experience, including his appointment as Senior Counsel in 2015 and his appearances before the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court.
The party also pointed to Madonsela’s previous leadership roles within the legal profession, including serving as chairperson of the Society of Advocates of KwaZulu-Natal, chairperson of Advocates for Transformation, a member of the KwaZulu-Natal Legal Practice Council and a member of the Judicial Service Commission.
The EFF further praised what it described as the unity shown by the progressive caucus and other parties that supported Madonsela’s nomination, saying it reflected a shared commitment to ensuring the committee’s work is credible and conducted in line with the Constitution.
It urged political parties to preserve that unity and avoid allowing political interests to undermine constitutional accountability.
The party also maintained that the Section 89 Committee remains lawfully constituted, arguing that no court has set it aside and that Parliament is constitutionally obliged to continue with the impeachment inquiry unless the Section 89 report is overturned by a competent court.