Chaos broke out in South Africa’s National Assembly on Thursday after opposition MPs walked out when Speaker Thoko Didiza refused to allow an immediate debate on the Phala Phala scandal involving President Cyril Ramaphosa.
This story is written and edited by Global South World
Footage from the chamber showed members of the Economic Freedom Fighters, African Transformation Movement and uMkhonto weSizwe Party shouting down the speaker before leaving the sitting while chanting and singing.
Didiza rejected the opposition’s request for an urgent no-confidence debate against Ramaphosa, saying the matter could not be raised at that point in the proceedings.
“I, as the Speaker of this House, have the duty to ensure the smooth conduct,” Didiza said. “I’ve listened to your request, and I’ve indicated that that does not arise.”
Ramaphosa later addressed the assembly, paying tribute to victims of severe flooding that has affected several provinces.
“We remember those who have lost their lives, their homes and their livelihoods,” he said, adding that at least 10 people had died and thousands had been displaced.
The disruption came a week after the Constitutional Court ordered the establishment of an impeachment committee to investigate whether Ramaphosa committed serious violations linked to the 2020 Phala Phala scandal, in which $580,000 was stolen from his private farm.
The Presidency has said Ramaphosa will comply with the ruling, stressing that no one is above the law and reaffirming respect for judicial independence. Ramaphosa has denied wrongdoing.
