Ramaphosa impeachment would cause big fractures in the GNU

In this interview with Chris Steyn, Independent Governance Expert Richard Chelin predicts that an impeachment of President Cyril Ramaphosa would have grave consequences for the Government of National Unity (GNU) - particularly in the light of Vice President Paul Mashatile’s keenness to work with parties other than the Democratic Alliance. “I think we will see some great fractures coming to the fore. Because we have to remember that there are very difficult political factions, some within the ANC themselves are willing to work with other parties besides the DA. And I would say it's going to be quite a tough time.” Chelin hails the latest development in the Tembisa Hospital looting scandal with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s nephew by marriage permanently forfeiting R326-million of assets. Chelin rates the overall performance of the GNU; examines the differences in effectiveness between the Zondo and the Madlanga commissions of inquiry; laments the “lack of teeth” of parliamentary committees; applauds the strong role played by civil society in enforcing proper governance through the courts; and slams political parties for clogging up the overburdened justice system. “There's quite a sad irony here because civil society goes to court to hold those in power to account. But then…political actors…weaponise the courts with their delaying tactics…”