The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has labelled the appointments of the three member panel to probe the Farmgate Scandal against President Cyril Ramaphosa as irrational, biased and a complete disregard of the consultative process with political parties represented in Parliament. National Speaker of Assembly Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula elected an independent panel consisting of former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, former High Court Judge Thokozile Masipa and Associate Professor of Law at UCT Richard Calland to probe into the Phala Phala farm theft. Ngcobo, who was recently robbed of his R150K Rolex, is set to lead the three member panel.

A CASE AGAINST THE PRESIDENT?

The panel will, over a 30 day period, determine whether there is a prima facie case against President. The EFF claims that Mapisa-Nqakula has spat in the face of South Africans and their democracy by electing candidates that were not nominated by at least one out of the nine opposition political parties represented in Parliament.
They claim the independent panel will be biased in favouring President Cyril Ramaphosa by defending, "his money laundering and use of state resources to conceal criminal activities."
This is viewed as unethical and a breach of the country's Constitution.
"Her appointments have no regard for the nominations by a  majority of the opposition parties and it is questionable. One of the panel members Richard Calland has been viewed as an admirer of Ramaphosa. He has publicly declared his support for Ramaphosa to run for second term in the presidency. He even advised him on policy and governance at the expense of political oppressors," reads the EFF's statement.

LET'S NOT WASTE TIME

However African Transformation Movement spokesman Sbu Mncwabe said the independent panel is expected to work within the law, therefore there is no reason to doubt their intention, despite the other parties calling out Calland. "These things take time, if we miss the opportunity then this thing might drag for another six months. Everyone has their weakness and questionable behaviour in particular matters. In this context, these people are expected to apply law without fear nor favour independently," said Mncwabe. He added that having to say Calland should recuse himself will cause another delay in electing another candidate.
" Wasting time will give Ramaphosa more time to do damage in office. Let's move with the panel and see how far we can go because we are confident that the concrete evidence provided by the  ATM cannot be disputed."

A VIOLATION OF THE CONSTITUTION

Mncwabe said Ramaphosa has violated the Constitution.
"Look at section 96  2(a) and (b), it states that cabinet members cannot involve themselves in any other paid work. This is a clear statement that no one can change even if the Professor is there. He cannot change the Constitutional clause. We want to see this matter go ahead hence I'm saying that let's give the panel time to do their job." He said the more Ramaphosa remains head of state, the more time he has to continue with his crimes.
"Ramaphosa himself admitted that there was money in his farm but he's not certain of the amount. This is evident that he is not fit for office."
Mncwabe said once the report of the panel is out, they will sit down with their own legal experts to analyse it.
"For now we can't predict what the results of the report will be, our focus is to allow the process to unfold and continue getting advice from the relevant parties,"said Mncwabe.