President Cyril Ramaphosa's attempt to block Parliament's impeachment inquiry into the Phala Phala scandal has returned to the Constitutional Court for judgment.
The case represents a critical legal battle over executive accountability and the power of the National Assembly to remove a sitting president. A ruling against Ramaphosa could allow the impeachment process to proceed, potentially destabilizing the current administration.
Ramaphosa sought to stop the parliamentary inquiry by arguing that the process would damage the office of the presidency. "I will suffer irreparable harm if the impeachment process continues before the court review," Ramaphosa said.
The legal challenge follows years of political tension surrounding the Phala Phala scandal. The controversy has persisted for nearly four years [1] since Parliament buried the Section 89 panel report.
Internal party dynamics have further complicated the legal proceedings. Reports indicate that Ramaphosa ordered the African National Congress to withdraw from the Phala Phala court case, though other reports suggest the bid to halt the inquiry remains active.
Opposition leaders have remained critical of the president's legal strategy. Julius Malema said Ramaphosa cannot escape Phala Phala despite the bid to halt the impeachment inquiry.
The Constitutional Court in Johannesburg and the National Assembly in Cape Town remain the primary centers of this legal dispute. A judgment was expected in June 2026, as the court determines whether the parliamentary process can continue while the judicial review is pending.
“"I will suffer irreparable harm if the impeachment process continues before the court review."”
This legal maneuver is an attempt to prioritize judicial review over legislative oversight. If the Constitutional Court rules in favor of the president, it may effectively freeze the impeachment process, delaying political accountability. Conversely, a ruling for Parliament would affirm the legislature's authority to investigate the executive without prior judicial clearance, setting a significant precedent for South African governance.
