National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has stressed that the ceremonial handover of the Phala Phala report marks one of the indicative milestones in the country’s maturing constitutional democracy.

On Wednesday the Section 89 inquiry panel handed over the report to Mapisa-Nqakula, which consists of three volumes.

While Volume 1 is the report itself, Volumes 2 and 3 are a record of the proceedings which contains every document the panel relied on to prepare its report.

Retired Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, Judge Thokozile Masipa and advocate Sello Mahlape had been tasked with assessing whether President Cyril Ramaphosa has a case to answer for on constitutional grounds for the alleged theft of foreign currency at his Phala Phala farm nearly three years ago.

The panel was granted a 13-day extension to conclude its work by November the 30th.

In June the African Transformation Movement (ATM) submitted to Mapisa-Nqakula a motion requesting the House to initiate an inquiry into the removal of Ramaphosa on specific charges, but Mapisa-Nqakula declined the motion.

After further engagements, the ATM submitted an amended version of the motion in July, which Mapisa-Nqakula said was found to be in order.

The Speaker referred the submission, with supporting documents, to the Independent Panel, which she appointed after nominations by political parties.

She noted that the involvement of political parties in the constitution of the panel formed an essential element of independence to remove any perception of bias.

Ngcobo thanked the ATM, Economic Freedom Fighters, the United Democratic Movement and Ramaphosa for contributions made.

“Ironically it is precisely this information which made it impossible for us to meet the required deadline,” he said.

He highlighted that there had been anxiety from South Africans and he thanked them for their patience and for allowing the panel necessary space to do its work without any interruption.

He said the panel also made available the electronic version of the report to the Speaker.

The report will be communicated to MPs through the publication of the announcements, tablings and committee reports on Wednesday evening.

December 6 has been set aside for consideration of the report by the National Assembly.

Mapisa-Nqakula noted that the House would consider the report, its findings and recommendations then adopt a resolution through a symbol majority vote on whether further action by the House is necessary or not.

 

Attached is Ramaphosa's submissions to Independent Panel.