African National Congress (ANC) Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli has clarified why his name did not appear among the party’s representatives on Parliament’s newly established Phala Phala impeachment committee, saying his responsibilities as the ANC’s head of elections require him to remain actively engaged on the ground.
Ntuli dismissed speculation surrounding his absence from the committee, explaining that the decision was based on organisational priorities rather than political disagreements within the governing party. According to the ANC leader, his election responsibilities demand significant attention as the party prepares for upcoming political contests and voter mobilisation efforts.
“My name was not included because I am the Head of Elections for the ANC and I need to be on the ground,” Ntuli said, stressing that his focus remains on strengthening the party’s electoral machinery and engaging directly with communities.
The explanation comes amid heightened public and political scrutiny over the composition of Parliament’s Section 89 impeachment committee, which was established following Constitutional Court developments relating to the Phala Phala matter involving President Cyril Ramaphosa. The committee is tasked with considering allegations against the president and determining whether sufficient grounds exist for impeachment proceedings to continue.
The ANC’s nominations for the committee attracted considerable attention after delays in submitting its list of representatives. Reports suggested disagreements within party structures over who should serve on the high-profile panel, although both Ntuli and senior ANC leaders have downplayed suggestions of serious internal conflict.
Despite not serving on the committee, Ntuli remains a central figure in the ANC’s parliamentary and political operations. As Chief Whip of the Majority Party and a senior member of the ANC leadership, he has been closely involved in discussions surrounding the impeachment process and the party’s broader response to the Phala Phala saga.
The ANC ultimately submitted a nine-member delegation to the 31-member committee, joining representatives from opposition parties including the Democratic Alliance (DA), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and MK Party. Parliament is expected to continue with the committee’s work in the coming weeks as legal and political battles surrounding the Phala Phala matter unfold.
Ntuli’s remarks signal that the ANC is prioritising its electoral preparations while simultaneously managing one of the most politically sensitive parliamentary processes in recent years. His decision to remain focused on election work underscores the party’s belief that organisational mobilisation and voter engagement remain critical as South Africa’s political landscape continues to evolve.
