The political fallout from the Constitutional Court’s landmark Phala Phala judgment continues to intensify, with opposition parties sharpening their positions against President Cyril Ramaphosa and analysts warning of growing pressure on the governing African National Congress.
The Constitutional Court ruled that Parliament acted inconsistently with the Constitution when it dismissed the Section 89 independent panel report into the Phala Phala scandal. The court declared the National Assembly’s vote invalid and ordered Parliament to amend Rule 129 and refer the matter to an impeachment committee.
Reacting to the judgment, Julius Malema said the ruling was a victory for constitutional democracy and accountability.
“The Constitutional Court has confirmed what we have always said — Parliament failed to hold Cyril Ramaphosa accountable,” Malema said.
The Economic Freedom Fighters leader added that his party would now wait to see whether Ramaphosa chooses to step aside.
“We are going to wait and see what Ramaphosa does. If he does not step aside, Parliament must continue with the impeachment process as directed by the Constitutional Court,” he said.
Malema also outlined what he expects from the opposition benches, saying pressure on Ramaphosa is likely to increase.
“The DA has no option now but to support accountability because the court has spoken clearly. Anyone who defends Ramaphosa after this judgment is undermining the Constitution,” he said.
The Democratic Alliance welcomed the ruling, describing it as a major victory for constitutional oversight and parliamentary accountability.
“The Constitutional Court has reaffirmed that no one is above the law, including the President,” the DA said.
The party further stated that Parliament “cannot be used as a shield to protect the executive from scrutiny,” adding that the impeachment process must proceed without political interference.
Political analyst Lukhona Mguni said the ruling places Ramaphosa and the ANC under serious political pressure ahead of future elections.
“This judgment is politically damaging for the ANC because it reinforces public perceptions that Parliament protected the President instead of protecting the Constitution,” Mguni said.
He added that Ramaphosa could still survive an impeachment process because of ANC numbers in Parliament, but warned that the political cost may continue to grow.
“The ANC now faces a difficult balancing act between protecting Ramaphosa and protecting its own credibility with voters,” Mguni said.
