Debate over 'fit and proper' clause in impeachment rules heats up in Rules Committee

The proposed insertion of the phrase 'fit and proper' for members of the Impeachment Committee dominated discussions when the Rules Committee met on Wednesday. National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza referred the amendment to the Sub-Committee on Review of Assembly Rules. Parliamentary legal advisor Michael Prince cautioned that such a requirement could limit political rights and must be rational and justifiable. The proposal came from the DA, which maintains that impeachment requires higher ethical and integrity standards.