The African National Congress National Executive Committee unanimously backed President Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to seek a High Court review of the Phala Phala independent panel report [1], [2].
This endorsement is critical for Ramaphosa as he faces persistent calls for his resignation and attempts to undermine his leadership within the party. By securing the support of the NEC, the president aims to stabilize his position and validate his legal challenge against the Section 89 Independent Panel's findings.
The decision was announced May 15, 2026 [1] during a media briefing in Johannesburg [2]. The move follows a Constitutional Court ruling that occurred the previous week, setting the stage for the legal challenge in the High Court [1], [2].
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula addressed the media regarding the party's stance on the president's mandate and the specific legal strategy. Mbalula said, "We will challenge the Phala Phala report through judicial review" [1].
Mbalula also addressed rumors regarding the potential removal of the president from office. He said, "The recall was never discussed" [3]. He said, "Mandate is intact" [4].
The unanimous nature of the NEC's support [4] serves as a formal rebuke to claims that Ramaphosa bypassed party structures before initiating the legal process. The party intends to use the judicial review to contest the findings of the independent panel, a process they argue is necessary to ensure the accuracy and fairness of the report's conclusions [1], [2].
“"Mandate is intact"”
The ANC's unanimous support for the judicial review effectively closes the door on immediate internal efforts to recall President Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal. By shifting the battle from a political arena to a legal one in the High Court, the party is attempting to depoliticize the controversy and provide the president with a legal shield to maintain his leadership mandate.
