The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party is pressing Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee to conduct a site visit to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo. The party argues that an inspection in loco is essential to the probe into the 2020 theft of foreign currency from the property.
Committee members have left the option open while they finalise terms of reference and other preparatory steps. Public hearings remain restricted by a court interdict.
MK Party calls for Phala Phala site visit
MK Party MP Andile Mngxitima has repeatedly called for the committee to visit the farm at the centre of the allegations. “As a matter of principle… this committee considers going to Phala Phala itself,” he said during earlier deliberations.
On 19 August 2026, during a committee meeting that also addressed the appointment of an evidence leader and draft terms of reference, the MK Party and the Democratic Alliance expressed support for an inspection in loco. The farm is where approximately $580 000 (reported as between R9.5 million and R10 million) in foreign currency was stolen in February 2020. The money was allegedly concealed in furniture.
The 31-member committee, drawn from 16 political parties, is conducting Parliament’s first impeachment inquiry under Section 89 of the Constitution. It was established after a Constitutional Court ruling that set aside an earlier National Assembly decision not to proceed.
Committee chair leaves option open
Chairperson Makashule Gana has not ruled out a Phala Phala site visit. He has stated that the option remains on the table if it becomes necessary to test evidence. However, he indicated there is no requirement to include a site visit in the formal terms of reference at this stage.
“When we consider the veracity of the charges, if that’s required, we will then deal with it when we get there. But there’s no evidence that will be disregarded,”
Gana said.
The committee continues preparatory work, including refining its terms of reference and processes around the evidence leader, despite the interdict on public hearings.
Legal constraints and next steps
A Western Cape High Court interim interdict currently prevents the committee from holding public hearings while President Ramaphosa’s review of the independent panel report proceeds. The Constitutional Court has declined direct access applications challenging that order. Preparatory activities such as finalising rules and administrative steps remain permitted.
The committee has previously agreed that Ramaphosa should be called to appear, though not necessarily as the first witness. Judgment in the related criminal trial arising from the burglary is expected later in 2026.
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