Some of the political parties in Parliament say they note that President Cyril Ramaphosa has filed court papers to review the Section 89 Independent Panel Report, but that the work of preparing an Impeachment Committee should go ahead. Ramaphosa has officially filed papers in the Western Cape High Court to review the independent panel’s report into Phala Phala.
The report found that he may have a case to answer regarding the February 2020 theft of foreign currency at his Limpopo farm. At this stage, Ramaphosa is seeking only a review, and not an interim interdict against the pending impeachment process.
Filing for the review has not come as a surprise because Ramaphosa announced that it would be the route he intends to undertake. But some like ActionSA’s Lerato Ngobeni, believe that it is part of stalling the process.
“Not only stalling, but evading accountability. By the time we have to sit down and have process going, it will be 2029. As you know, it’s not urgent, can’t be because he had all this time to do it. So, for us, it’s not only stalling, I think he is trying to jump across the curve.”
Other parties say they note the latest development, but they don’t believe it should stop the work of Parliament.
Democratic Alliance (DA) Parliamentary leader, George Michalakis, says there should be no delays in the Parliament’s work.
“Parliament must now urgently continue with its work to prepare for the impeachment committee by ensuring that its processes with regard to rules and regulations are finalised, so that the work of the impeachment committee can continue without delay. The country cannot afford for it to be dragged out unnecessarily.”
African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) Chief Whip Steve Swart says nothing is stopping the impeachment committee from continuing with its work.
“We understand no interim interdict was applied for. So, nothing is legally preventing Parliament from going ahead with its impeachment committee once it has finalised its rules in accordance with the Constitutional Court ruling and the Speaker’s determination.”
Rise Mzansi member, Makashule Gana says the court will decide what happens from here.
“If it is the court that says the parliamentary process cannot continue as this review gets underway, we will respect that because we are here as a result of the ruling of the Constitutional Court. So, we can’t pick and choose which of the judgements we want to follow. So, whatever the court gives as a directive whether the proceedings in Parliament will proceed while there is a review, we will take that decision of the courts.”
Build One South Africa (Bosa) leader Dr Mmusi Maimane says the president must pay for his legal fees.
“When President Zuma was confronted by legal issues, he spent nearly R30 million of taxpayers’ money to litigate. South Africans cannot be footing the president or any other respondent’s bill. Our call is that the president must pay for his own legal fees. This matter was a matter on a private farm with private interests.”
Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) Spokesperson Apa Pooe says everything should be guided by the constitution.
“What is important from the court document, it is clear, Constitutional Court principles state that the removal of the president in terms of Section 89 of the Constitution requires proof of serious misconduct, or serious violation of the constitution or law, committed intentionally, maliciously, and in bad faith. As the PAC, we reaffirm our commitment to constutionalism, accountability and the rule of law. We believe that all constitutional processes must be applied fairly, and without political manipulation. At the same time, accountability for public office bearers remains non-negotiable.”
PARLIAMENT STATEMENT ON THE THE IMPEACHMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
The Speaker of the National Assembly has received the names of Members from political parties who will serve on the Impeachment Committee.
The deadline for the submission of names by political parties was Friday,…
— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) May 25, 2026
VIDEO | Parliament released the names of the committee members:
The subcommittee on the review of the rules of the National Assembly is expected to meet this Friday for further deliberations on amending the rules of the National Assembly as ordered by the ConCourt.
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