By: Sello Theletsane
A meeting scheduled to take place between embattled President Cyril Ramaphosa and senior ANC Members of Parliament (MPs) has triggered suspicions that Ramaphosa might be trying to influence ANC MPs ahead of a possible probe into the robbery at his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo.
Africa News Global has seen a letter signed by ANC Chief Whip Penny Majodina in which she invites the MPs to the meeting.
“The Office of the Chief Whip has received an invitation from the Office of His Excellency, the President, for a meeting between the Chief Whips of the two Houses of Parliament, the two House Chairpersons responsible for Committees and Oversight, and the ANC Chairpersons in the Economic Cluster,” Majodina said in her letter.
She added: “The purpose of the meeting is to further strengthen the working relationship between the Executive and Parliament..”
Also read: Former spy boss Arthur Fraser spills beans on Ramaphosa
However, the meeting has triggered suspicions that Ramaphosa might be trying to influence the MPs in an event the scandal involving the multimillion-dollar robbery at his Limpopo farm is referred to Parliament for a probe.
An outraged ANC MP who spoke to Africa News Global on condition of anonymity said the two letters, from Ramaphosa and Majodina, raised serious constitutional issues.
“It is common cause that our country’s constitution provides for separation of powers between all arms of the state. In this vein, the National Assembly is mandated to hold the executive to account as part of playing its oversight.”
Added the MP: “The meeting and its stated purpose that is general makes one uncomfortable as it seems to go against the established communication protocols as agreed upon between parliament and the executive.”
“It, therefore, raises serious doubts about its actual motive, especially within a climate where parliament has been accused, by the constitutional court nogal, to have not been playing its role adequately and with diligence.”
“One cannot also ignore the controversy surrounding the part alleged to have been played by the president in the aftermath of the robbery that took place on his farm.”
“This unfortunate situation might end up in Parliament and if leading members of parliamentary and NCOP committees are seen to be meeting clandestinely with someone who is a subject of a criminal enquiry, the National Assembly might be found wanting in respect of its objectivity and exercise of its constitutional mandate.”
Also read: Ramaphosa confirms break-in at his farm, but leaves more questions than answers
The MP called on National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapusa-Nqakula and NCOP Chairperson Amos Masondo “to give this matter serious and urgent attention as heads of parliament and NCOP respectively, who have taken an oath to uphold and protect our country’s constitution”.
Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi tweeted: “ANC members in Parliament summoned to the residence of the President in Cape Town.
Panic strikes!
ANC members in Parliament summoned to the residence of the President in Cape Town.
Whoever attends this meeting should not be part of any Parliamentary Inquiry on the #PhalaPhalaFarm saga.
How can a President under criminal investigation convene Members of Parly?😳 pic.twitter.com/RzP6Lf08r9— Mzwanele Manyi (@MzwaneleManyi) June 7, 2022
Whoever attends this meeting should not be part of any Parliamentary Inquiry on the #PhalaPhalaFarm saga.
How can a President under criminal investigation convene Members of Parly?”
State capture accused Matshela Koko also entered the fray, attaching Majodina’s letter and tweeted: “Ba thiba ka dibono” (They are blocking with buttocks).
Ba thiba ka dibono.#PhalaPhalaFarm pic.twitter.com/2IMcDtBZuv
— Engineer Matšhela Koko, MBL (@koko_matshela) June 7, 2022
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya did not answer Africa News Global calls. His comment will be added to the story once it’s available.
We are tired of cover up this politicians are entitled to do without any consequences. How long we must be abused and hoping for miracle to save us from this heartless people