The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has accused the Democratic Alliance (DA) of enabling the African National Congress (ANC) to secure the chairmanship of Parliament’s Oversight Committee on the Presidency.
The MK Party made the claim in a media statement released on 7 March 2026 following a committee meeting held on 6 March 2026 in Parliament.
What happened
According to the MK Party statement, members of the Oversight Committee on the Presidency met on Friday to elect a chairperson.
During the vote:
- The ANC candidate received 5 votes
- An opposition candidate nominated by ActionSA and other parties received 4 votes
- The DA received 2 votes after voting for its own candidate
The MK Party said the outcome meant the ANC secured the chairmanship despite not holding a clear majority in the 11-member committee.
The party also said the result has become the subject of a dispute over whether five votes constitute a majority.
Official response
In its statement, the MK Party argued that the DA’s decision to nominate and vote for its own candidate divided opposition support.
The party said this decision allowed the ANC to take control of the committee responsible for oversight of the Presidency.
MK Party Chief Whip Mmbatho Mokoena-Zondi, who serves on the committee, said the party will continue advocating for independent oversight of the Presidency and wants the committee chairmanship decision reviewed.
Community and political impact
The Oversight Committee on the Presidency is responsible for scrutinising the Office of the President and holding the executive accountable in Parliament.
The MK Party argues that opposition unity could have prevented the governing party from chairing the committee.
What happens next
The MK Party says it will push for the committee chairpersonship decision to be reconsidered so the oversight body can function independently.
It is not yet clear whether the result will be formally challenged in Parliament.
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