Makashule Gana’s Rise: How the Controversial Figure Became the Face of South Africa’s Ramaphosa Impeachment Inquiry

The political storm over President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership has taken a dramatic turn with the appointment of Makashule Gana—a former ANC MP and outspoken critic of the government—as the chair of the parliamentary committee tasked with investigating potential impeachment proceedings. Gana’s selection, which followed a contentious internal vote, has reignited debates about political bias, institutional integrity, and the future of South Africa’s governing party. His role, often symbolized by the viral image of him holding Ramaphosa’s head in his hands, now places him at the center of one of the most high-stakes political battles in years.

This appointment comes as the ANC grapples with internal fractures, public distrust, and mounting pressure over corruption scandals, economic mismanagement, and the handling of the Phala Phala raid—a controversial police operation linked to former President Jacob Zuma. Gana’s leadership of the committee raises critical questions: Can he maintain impartiality in a deeply polarized environment? What does this mean for Ramaphosa’s political future? And how will this process unfold in a country already divided by political and racial tensions?

Below, we break down the key developments, the players involved, the legal and political context, and what this means for South Africa’s political landscape.

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The Controversial Appointment: How Gana Became the Committee Chair

The decision to appoint Makashule Gana as chair of the parliamentary committee investigating Ramaphosa’s potential impeachment was not without controversy. The vote, held behind closed doors, saw Gana emerge victorious after a fierce internal battle within the ANC’s parliamentary caucus. His selection was met with both celebration from opposition parties and skepticism from within his own ranks.

Gana’s rise to this position is rooted in his long-standing reputation as a vocal critic of Ramaphosa’s leadership. A former ANC MP and member of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), Gana has been a prominent figure in the factional struggles within the ANC, often aligning with those pushing for a more aggressive stance against corruption. His outspoken nature—including his public comments about Ramaphosa’s leadership—has made him a polarizing figure, but also a symbol of resistance to what critics see as the ANC’s failure to address systemic issues.

Key Points:

• Gana won the chairmanship in a contested vote, defeating other ANC candidates, including those seen as more aligned with Ramaphosa’s camp.
• His appointment was criticized by some ANC members who argue it undermines the committee’s perceived impartiality.
• The selection process was not transparent, with reports suggesting behind-the-scenes negotiations influenced the outcome.
• Opposition parties, including the DA and EFF, welcomed the decision, seeing it as a step toward a fairer investigation.

Gana himself has brushed off criticism, framing his role as an opportunity to uphold constitutional principles and ensure accountability. In a statement, he emphasized his commitment to a fair and thorough process, though skeptics remain wary of his ability to distance himself from his past political alliances.

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Who Is Makashule Gana? A Political Biography

To understand Gana’s significance in this moment, it’s essential to examine his political career and the alliances that have shaped his trajectory.

Makashule Gana is a seasoned ANC politician with a career spanning decades. Born in the Eastern Cape, he rose through the party’s ranks during the apartheid era, becoming a key figure in the ANC’s struggle against white minority rule. His political journey, however, has been marked by both loyalty to the ANC and periodic clashes with its leadership.

Gana’s relationship with Ramaphosa has been particularly fraught. As a member of the ANC’s NEC, he has publicly criticized Ramaphosa’s handling of corruption cases, including the controversial Phala Phala raid, which led to the arrest of former President Jacob Zuma. His comments, such as the now-viral image of him holding Ramaphosa’s head in his hands, have become symbolic of the broader discontent within the ANC.

Key Milestones in Gana’s Career:

• 1980s–1990s: Active in the ANC’s underground resistance against apartheid.
• 1994: Elected as an ANC MP in the first democratic parliament.
• 2000s–2010s: Served in various parliamentary committees, often advocating for anti-corruption measures.
• 2018–Present: Became a vocal critic of Ramaphosa’s leadership, aligning with factions pushing for stricter accountability.
• 2024: Appointed as chair of the Ramaphosa impeachment committee, a role that places him at the epicenter of South Africa’s political turmoil.

Gana’s appointment is not just about his personal history but also about the broader power struggles within the ANC. His selection reflects the tensions between those who see Ramaphosa as a necessary reformer and those who believe he has failed to deliver on promises of transparency and economic recovery.

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The Legal and Political Context: What Does Impeachment Mean for Ramaphosa?

The possibility of President Ramaphosa facing impeachment proceedings is a landmark moment in South Africa’s political history. While impeachment is a rare occurrence in modern democracies, the process in South Africa is governed by the Constitution and the National Assembly’s rules. Here’s what readers need to know:

1. The Legal Framework:

• The South African Constitution allows for the removal of a president through a process known as impeachment, which requires a two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly.
• Impeachment can be triggered by serious misconduct, incapacity, or breach of the Constitution.
• The National Assembly must first establish a committee to investigate the allegations before a full vote on impeachment.

2. The Allegations Against Ramaphosa:

The primary allegations revolve around:

• Corruption and state capture: Critics argue that Ramaphosa has failed to fully address the legacy of corruption under his predecessor, Jacob Zuma.
• Economic mismanagement: High unemployment, load shedding, and slow growth have fueled public frustration with his leadership.
• Handling of the Phala Phala raid: The controversial police operation, which led to Zuma’s arrest, has been criticized as politically motivated.
• Lack of accountability: Some lawmakers argue that Ramaphosa has not held enough officials accountable for past wrongdoing.

3. The Committee’s Role:

The committee chaired by Gana will:

• Investigate the allegations against Ramaphosa.
• Determine whether there is sufficient evidence to justify a full impeachment vote.
• Recommend next steps to the National Assembly.

If the committee finds substantial evidence, the National Assembly will hold a full vote. A two-thirds majority would be required to remove Ramaphosa from office.

Key Question: Does Ramaphosa have enough support in the ANC to survive this process? The answer will depend on how the committee’s findings are received and whether internal factions can unite against him.

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Reactions and Wider Implications: What’s Next for South Africa?

The appointment of Gana as chair has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s political landscape. Reactions have been divided, with each faction interpreting the move differently.

1. ANC’s Internal Divisions:

• Supporters of Ramaphosa view Gana’s appointment as a political maneuver by his opponents within the ANC.
• Critics of Ramaphosa see it as a long-overdue step toward accountability.
• The ANC’s NEC is expected to discuss the committee’s findings, which could lead to further internal strife.

2. Opposition Parties:

• The Democratic Alliance (DA) has praised Gana’s appointment, calling it a positive step toward justice.
• The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have also supported the process, though they remain skeptical of the ANC’s willingness to act.
• Smaller parties, such as the IFP and FF+, have taken a wait-and-see approach, focusing on the committee’s findings.

3. Public Sentiment:

Public opinion is deeply divided. While some South Africans see this as an opportunity for real change, others fear it could destabilize the country further. Polls suggest growing distrust in government, with many citizens questioning whether the ANC can govern effectively without Ramaphosa.

4. Economic and Political Fallout:

• If Ramaphosa is impeached, South Africa would face a political crisis, with potential ramifications for investment, currency stability, and social cohesion.
• A power vacuum could emerge, leading to a new leadership contest within the ANC.
• The Zuma factor remains a wild card—his continued influence and legal battles could further complicate the political landscape.

Expert Views:

Political analysts suggest that Gana’s role is both a test of his impartiality and a reflection of the ANC’s internal battles. Some argue that the committee’s findings will not be enough to remove Ramaphosa, given the ANC’s historical reluctance to oust its own leaders. Others believe that public pressure could force a reckoning, especially if the committee uncovers new evidence of wrongdoing.

One thing is clear: this process will reshape South Africa’s political future, regardless of the outcome.

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Common Misconceptions and Clarifications

As this story unfolds, several myths and misunderstandings have emerged. Here’s a breakdown of the most common questions and clarifications:

1. “Is Ramaphosa definitely going to be impeached?”

No. While the allegations are serious, the ANC has a history of protecting its leaders. Impeachment would require a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, which is unlikely without significant internal shifts.

2. “Is Gana biased against Ramaphosa?”

Yes, but the question is whether he can conduct a fair investigation. Gana’s past comments suggest personal opposition to Ramaphosa, but the committee’s process is designed to be fact-based. The challenge will be whether he can separate personal views from procedural fairness.

3. “Will this lead to early elections?”

Unlikely in the short term. The ANC has no legal obligation to call early elections, and doing so would risk further instability. However, if Ramaphosa is removed, a leadership crisis could force a snap vote.

4. “What happens if the committee finds Ramaphosa innocent?”

The process would likely end there, but political fallout could persist. Ramaphosa’s critics would argue the investigation was flawed, while supporters would claim it proved his innocence. The ANC’s internal divisions would remain unresolved.

5. “Could this trigger a constitutional crisis?”

Possibly. If the ANC refuses to act on the committee’s findings, it could undermine public trust in institutions. Some legal experts warn that prolonged political deadlock could lead to legal challenges.

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What to Watch For in the Coming Weeks

The next phase of this political drama will be closely watched by South Africans and international observers alike. Here are the key developments to follow:

1. The Committee’s First Hearings:

The committee is expected to begin its investigations soon, with potential witnesses including former officials, legal experts, and whistleblowers. The Phala Phala raid and corruption allegations will likely dominate early sessions.

2. ANC’s Internal Response:

The ANC’s NEC and parliamentary caucus will debate the committee’s findings. If the report is critical of Ramaphosa, internal factions could clash openly, potentially leading to a leadership challenge.

3. Public Protests and Unrest:

Given the high levels of public discontent, protests and demonstrations are likely to increase. The government’s response to these will be closely monitored.

4. Economic Markets’ Reaction:

Investors will be watching how political developments affect the rand, stock market, and bond yields. Any signs of increased instability could trigger capital flight.

5. International Response:

Countries and organizations like the African Union, EU, and IMF will be assessing whether South Africa’s political turmoil could impact regional stability and economic cooperation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Ramaphosa be impeached without a two-thirds majority?

A: No. The South African Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly to remove a president through impeachment. Without this, any vote would be non-binding.

Q: What happens if Ramaphosa is impeached?

A: If impeached, Ramaphosa would be removed from office immediately. The deputy president would assume the presidency, and a new leadership election would likely follow within the ANC.

Q: Is Gana’s appointment legal?

A: Yes, but it is politically contentious. The ANC has the authority to appoint committee chairs, but the process has been criticized for lacking transparency.

Q: Could this lead to the ANC losing power?

A: It’s possible but unlikely in the short term. The ANC still holds a majority in parliament, but if internal divisions worsen, coalition shifts or early elections could become more probable.

Q: What role does Jacob Zuma play in this?

A: Zuma remains a wild card. His legal battles and continued influence over some ANC factions could complicate the impeachment process, especially if his allies argue that Ramaphosa is being targeted unfairly.

Q: How long will the investigation take?

A: It’s difficult to predict, but several months are likely. The committee will need to gather evidence, call witnesses, and draft a report before any vote can be held.

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The political storm over President Ramaphosa’s leadership is far from over. With Makashule Gana now at the helm of the impeachment inquiry, the coming months will be critical in determining whether South Africa’s political landscape undergoes a seismic shift—or whether the status quo prevails despite growing public disillusionment.

One thing is certain: this moment will be remembered as a defining chapter in South Africa’s post-apartheid history, with consequences that will echo far beyond the halls of parliament.