WATCH | Phala Phala inquiry sparks clash: MK Party says Gana aligned with ANC

Cape Town – The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has expressed disappointment over the election of Makashule Gana as chairperson of Parliament’s Phala Phala impeachment inquiry, accusing Rise Mzansi of being an ANC-aligned “project”.

Opposition parties failed to secure the election of their preferred candidate, Wonderboy Mahlatsi of the United Africans Transformation (UAT), despite coordinating support behind him.

MK Party parliamentary leader John Hlophe said he does not believe Gana will be impartial in overseeing the inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala saga, claiming he is being used by the ANC to shield the president from accountability.

[WATCH]: Mk Party members of the Impeachment Committee express their utter disappointment with the election of Rise Mzansi’s Hon. Gana as the Chairperson of the Committee, highlighting that he has supported the ruling party for the past 2 years in Parliament. pic.twitter.com/VvOWvQ8reH

— MK Party in Parliament (@MKParliament) June 1, 2026

“As far as we are concerned, in order for the process to have any credibility, it must be chaired by an independent person, and we do not believe, with due respect, that Honourable Gana is independent,” Hlophe said.

After Gana received support from parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU), Hlophe criticised him for not engaging opposition MPs after the vote, saying: “That’s a clear sign that the circus is about to begin. As far as we are concerned in the MK party, we do not want the ANC to cover up again.”

[WATCH] The MK Party opposes Makashule Gana’s appointment as chairperson of Parliament’s Phala Phala impeachment committee. MKP’s John Hlophe argues Gana is aligned with both the ANC and DA, warning that the ANC could influence the process outcome. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/5fRtOscH1u

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 1, 2026

Hlophe also accused the Democratic Alliance (DA) of misleading opposition parties during lobbying efforts, claiming they had expected the DA to support Mahlatsi’s nomination for chairperson.

Meanwhile, Parliament’s Secretary to the National Assembly, Masibulele Xaso, confirmed there was no legal obstacle preventing Hlophe from serving on the impeachment committee, despite objections raised over his participation following his impeachment as a High Court judge in 2024.