President Cyril Ramaphosa’s attempt to halt parliamentary impeachment proceedings linked to the Phala Phala saga is set to face opposition from the African Transformation Movement (ATM) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
Ramaphosa has approached the Western Cape High Court seeking an interdict to stop Parliament’s Section 89 impeachment process from continuing while the court reviews the validity of the independent panel report that triggered the inquiry. The president argues that allowing the process to proceed before the court reaches a decision would cause him irreparable harm.
The move comes despite earlier indications from Ramaphosa that he would not use the courts to halt the parliamentary process. However, the president said he was left with no alternative after Parliament rejected his request to suspend the proceedings.
The Section 89 impeachment committee is investigating whether Ramaphosa violated the Constitution or any laws in relation to the theft of US dollars from his Phala Phala farm in February 2020.
Both the ATM and EFF have signalled their intention to oppose the president’s court application. ATM parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula argued that Parliament should be allowed to complete its constitutional mandate without interference through interlocutory court applications.
The legal challenge adds another layer of complexity to the long-running Phala Phala matter, which continues to attract significant political and public scrutiny. The outcome of the court application could have major implications for the future of the impeachment inquiry and Parliament’s oversight role.