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Ramaphosa’s decision to remain in office met with mixed reactions

todayMay 12, 2026 13

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Image credit: @PresidencyZA

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s refusal to resign from office has triggered sharp reactions from political parties and civil society, following renewed developments in the Phala Phala matter.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who challenged Parliament’s decision to halt the Section 89 impeachment process at the Constitutional Court, has accused the President of attempting to delay accountability through legal action.

“This conduct exposes a President who does not act on constitutional principle, but on political convenience and self-preservation,” the party said in a statement. 

In a nationally televised address on Monday evening, Ramaphosa confirmed that he will seek a judicial review of the Section 89 independent panel report, while insisting his decision was not an attempt to undermine Parliament.

“I therefore decided to proceed to take the independent panel report on review on an expeditious basis. I do so not out of disrespect for Parliament or its processes, but to affirm the need for such findings to be correct in law and in fact, especially where Parliament’s work would be based on and informed by a report I believe is flawed,” Ramaphosa said. 

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    Ramaphosa’s decision to remain in office met with mixed reactions Realeboga Nke

His remarks came days after the apex court declared a parliamentary rule invalid that previously required the National Assembly to vote on whether or not to adopt a Section 89 panel report. The court ordered that the independent panel report, which found prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa may have violated the Constitution, be referred to an impeachment committee.

Ramaphosa, however, maintains that the court did not make any finding on guilt or impeachment grounds.

“The Court made no finding on whether there was prima facie evidence of misconduct, nor if the alleged conduct, if established, justifies impeachment and the removal of the President,” he said. 

Despite the President’ legal challenge, the EFF insists Parliament must proceed with the impeachment process and has signalled its intention to oppose Ramaphosa’s review application.

The address also came hours after the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, outlined the steps Parliament would take to implement the judgment, including the establishment of an impeachment committee.  

The African Transformation Movement (ATM), which was also also part of the court challenge, has warned against what it called attempts to frustrate Parliament’s constitutional obligations.

“A judicial review does not and cannot suspend the impeachment or accountability processes of Parliament,” the party said.

Meanwhile, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has backed Ramaphosa’s right to pursue legal remedies and urged political parties not to turn the matter into “social media hysteria”.

“President Ramaphosa must be afforded his constitutionally guaranteed rights to be presumed innocent until proven guilty,” said the federation’s Parliamentary Coordinator, Mathew Parks.

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    Ramaphosa’s decision to remain in office met with mixed reactions Realeboga Nke

Meanwhile, ANC Youth League President, Collen Malatji, backed Ramaphosa, insisting there is no basis for the President to be found guilty of any wrongdoing.

Malatji was speaking during a media briefing at Luthuli House on Tuesday, where he accused political parties and the media of misrepresenting the court judgment.

He added that it was wrong for political parties led by people with criminal convictions to present themselves as morally superior, referencing former president Jacob Zuma and EFF leader Julius Malema.

Meanwhile, the Congress of the People (COPE) has called for restraint, urging all parties to allow constitutional processes to unfold without political interference. 

“COPE calls on all political parties, state institutions, and civil society to allow constitutional processes to unfold with maturity, independence, and respect for the rule of law. South Africa needs both accountability and stability,” the party said.

On the other hand, opposition party ActionSA says Parliament must proceed urgently with establishing the impeachment committee regardless of Ramaphosa’s legal challenge.

“The President cannot use litigation as a shield against political accountability. The Constitutional Court has ruled that Parliament acted unlawfully in halting the Section 89 process. Unless a competent court orders otherwise, Parliament remains constitutionally obligated to proceed with the establishment of the impeachment committee,” the party’s MP Parliamentary Chief Whip, Lerato Ngobeni, said.

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    Ramaphosa’s decision to remain in office met with mixed reactions Realeboga Nke

As legal and political battles intensify, Ramaphosa’s future remains at the centre of a growing national debate, with South Africans divided over whether he should resign or remain in office while the process unfolds.

Written by: Realeboga Nke

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