MK Party Rejects Ramaphosa’s Request for More Time to Answer Parliamentary Questions
Viable News Team 
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has rejected a request by Cyril Ramaphosa to extend the deadline for submitting written responses to questions from Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating allegations of corruption and criminal infiltration in the justice system.
The committee had asked the President to provide written answers regarding claims of criminal influence, corruption and political interference within South Africa’s criminal justice institutions. However, Ramaphosa requested additional time to submit his responses, proposing a new deadline of 16 March 2026.
MKP Says President Already Had Enough Time
MK Party Member of Parliament Sibonelo Nomvalo told the committee that the party would not support the extension, arguing that the President had already been given sufficient time to respond.
Nomvalo said delaying the answers could undermine the committee’s ability to conduct proper oversight.
“We are not taking this excuse of the 16th because everyone here is complaining about time, but the President is not complying with time,” Nomvalo said during a committee meeting.
He argued that responses should be submitted sooner so that MPs would have an opportunity to ask follow-up questions if necessary.
“If the President responds when we are about to finish, then that means we are not going to have that opportunity,” Nomvalo added.
Committee Probing Serious Allegations
The parliamentary ad hoc committee was established to investigate allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system.
These concerns stem from claims that elements within law enforcement and justice institutions may have been compromised by criminal networks or political pressure.
Members of the committee have emphasised that the investigation is a key part of Parliament’s oversight responsibilities and that all individuals called to account including the President must comply with its processes.
Debate Over Accountability
Some MPs have stressed that the President should not receive special treatment because of his position and must comply with parliamentary deadlines like any other witness.
The committee is continuing its hearings and is expected to hear testimony from additional witnesses in the coming weeks as it examines allegations affecting the integrity of South Africa’s justice system.
The investigation runs alongside broader inquiries into corruption and political interference within law enforcement and intelligence structures in the country.
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