Impeachment Committee Rescinds Thandazani Madonsela as Evidence Leader

The Section 89 Impeachment Committee voted 18-9 on September 1, 2026, to rescind the nomination of Advocate Thandazani Madonsela as the chief evidence leader for the inquiry into Cyril Ramaphosa. The inquiry examines the 2020 theft of $580,000 from the president's game farm in Limpopo.

President Ramaphosa objected to the appointment, arguing that Madonsela could be biased after he removed her from a Judicial Service Commission appointment in 2022. Additionally, it was disclosed that Madonsela had previously provided legal advice to the African National Congress on impeachment processes. While parliamentary legal advisers found no actual conflict of interest, they warned that these connections created a perceived bias that could undermine the inquiry's public credibility.

The decision to rescind the nomination was supported by the African National Congress, DA, PA, and FF Plus, while the EFF and MKP accused the ANC of filibustering. The committee now has until Friday to nominate new candidates and finalize the terms of reference for the proceedings.

Parallel to the parliamentary process, President Ramaphosa is challenging the legal foundation of the impeachment. He is seeking a review in the Western Cape High Court to set aside the 2022 independent panel report led by Sandile Ngcobo, contending the findings are fatally flawed and misconstrued his conduct.