Advocate Thandazani Madonsela SC’s appointment as Evidence Leader for Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee has prompted the ANC to disclose that he previously provided legal advice to the party on parliamentary impeachment rules, with National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza referring the matter to the committee’s chairperson for consideration.

Details Of Disclosure And Parliamentary Response

The ANC, through a formal communication on 8 August 2026, informed Speaker Thoko Didiza that Madonsela had advised the party specifically on Section 89 rules and processes, which regulate impeachment proceedings in Parliament. The ANC emphasised this was a disclosure for transparency, not an objection or a challenge to Madonsela’s appointment by the committee.

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza confirmed receipt of the ANC’s disclosure and stated, “Any matter bearing on the committee’s decision regarding the Evidence Leader should therefore be considered by the committee.” The Section 89 Impeachment Committee had previously resolved to recommend Madonsela as its Evidence Leader, with no formal objections raised after the disclosure.

Significance For Committee Proceedings And Legal Integrity

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, in the disclosure, stated, “The disclosure does not amount to an objection to Madonsela’s appointment and does not call into question her integrity or independence.” This suggests the party’s intention is primarily to maintain openness given Madonsela’s prior engagement with the ANC on the same parliamentary procedures now under review.

The Section 89 process is a significant parliamentary mechanism for assessing and potentially removing executive officials, requiring rigorous impartiality. While Madonsela’s previous advisory work for the ANC on these matters has come under public scrutiny, the ANC’s stance signals support for the integrity of the committee’s processes and its appointed legal officer, subject to further consideration by the committee itself.

The Section 89 Impeachment Committee will next decide whether Madonsela’s prior involvement with the ANC materially affects his role, with further announcements expected following its review of the ANC’s disclosure.