EFF calls for urgent establishment of oversight committee for the Presidency

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are demanding immediate action from Parliament to establish the long-awaited portfolio committee tasked with overseeing the Presidency. 

This call comes in the wake of a resolution passed in December 2025, which highlighted the urgent need for such oversight. In response, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has urged political parties to promptly submit their nominees, following a lack of compliance from some factions.

EFF MP Natasha Ntlangwini said on Thursday there was a need to fast-track the full establishment of the parliamentary portfolio committee on the Presidency as soon as possible.

“I know we were requested to send proposed names of members that are to serve on this committee, but it needs to come to finalisation in terms of the oversight committee on the Presidency so that that work can start to happen,” Ntlangwini said.

She also said President Cyril Ramaphosa tabled his State of the Nation Address last week and has taken on other responsibilities under his office.

“We can’t sit another year without having this oversight body looking over the work of the president,” said Ntlangwini.

Didiza confirmed that the decision was taken to set up the committee, and it was now time for implementation.

She urged parties to submit the names of their members who will serve on the committee.

“I do think parties, those that have not, must really make sure that by the end of tomorrow, we do receive the names so that that committee can be constituted,” she said.

In December 2025, Parliament decided to establish a portfolio committee that will play oversight on the Presidency.

It will be the first time such a committee has been formed since 1994, following calls over the years by opposition parties and a recommendation from the Zondo Commission, which highlighted the need for enhanced scrutiny of the country's highest office.

Currently, Ramaphosa and his deputy, Paul Mashatile, do not appear before any parliamentary committee to account for their work except answering oral and written questions from the MPs.

The director-general in the Presidency does not appear before a single parliamentary committee.

They will now appear before the 11-member committee annually to discuss policy matters of national and international importance.

The committee – in which the ANC will be represented by four MPs, DA two, MK Party and EFF one each, and smaller parties three – will oversee the budget and administration of the Presidency, with the power to summon the designated minister appointed by the president.

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