Parliament’s impeachment committee to oppose Ramaphosa bid to halt Phala Phala inquiry

The parliamentary committee tasked with investigating whether President Cyril Ramaphosa should face impeachment over the Phala Phala scandal has resolved to oppose his urgent court application to halt its work.

The decision follows an urgent virtual meeting on Wednesday, where members agreed the Section 89 Impeachment Committee has a constitutional obligation to continue its inquiry despite the President’s legal challenge.

Committee chairperson, Makashule Gana, said the prevailing view was that the committee should oppose Ramaphosa’s application for an interdict.

“The prevailing opinion, which is based on the inputs that have been made by the parties, is that the committee needs to oppose the urgent application of an interdict by the President,” Gana said.

“As the chairperson of the impeachment committee, I align myself with the prevailing opinion. I intend to represent the committee in opposing the interdict. I will petition the Speaker to also join in opposing this application.”

The committee received legal advice from Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Services Office after Ramaphosa approached the Western Cape High Court last week seeking an urgent interdict to stop the impeachment inquiry from proceeding.

The President argues that allowing the inquiry to continue before his review application is heard could cause him irreparable harm. His review challenge is scheduled to be heard from 2 to 4 September.

At the centre of the dispute is the report of an independent Section 89 panel, which found there was prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa may have breached his constitutional obligations in relation to the 2020 theft of foreign currency from his Phala Phala game farm.

Senior counsel, Advocate William Mokhare, advised MPs that the committee could either oppose the President’s application or file an explanatory affidavit outlining Parliament’s constitutional obligations.

Mokhare said opposing the application was the preferred option, as it would allow the committee to assert its constitutional mandate.

He stressed, however, that opposing the interdict does not mean the committee has formed a view on the merits of the impeachment inquiry.

“You were appointed to be independent and impartial. At this stage, you have not yet formulated a view on the merits and demerits of the impeachment itself. You have not had the opportunity to assess the evidence or call for evidence,” Mokhare said.

Mokhare also told members that while Ramaphosa was has the right to approach the courts, that does not suspend Parliament’s constitutional duty to carry its work. 

“We appreciate that the President has the right to approach the court and ask for whatever relief he wants, but that does not detract from whatever obligation is imposed by the Constitutional Court to proceed to do its work. The committee would not be acting inappropriately if it decides to oppose the interdict application on legal grounds,” he said. 

Gana also moved to reassure members about the independence of the legal advice provided to the committee, saying Parliament’s legal team advising the impeachment inquiry operates separately from National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza’s legal counsel.

Meanwhile, the committee’s work remains on hold pending agreement on the rules governing the impeachment process.

Last week, Speaker Didiza instructed political parties to continue negotiations after disagreements emerged over the proposed rules, including whether only “fit and proper” MPs should serve on the committee and whether a president can be impeached for actions carried out by others on their behalf.

The committee is expected to revisit the matter as Parliament and the President prepare for a legal battle that could shape the future of the impeachment process.

IMPEACHMENT COMMITTEE RESOLVES TO OPPOSE PRESIDENT’S INTERDICT

Parliament, Thursday, 18 June 2026 – The Impeachment Committee on the Section 89 Enquiry today resolved to oppose the urgent application brought by President Cyril Ramaphosa to interdict the committee from carrying… pic.twitter.com/3vADC3Tyqa

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) June 18, 2026

The work of the Impeachment Committee will not be stopped.

RISE Mzansi National Assembly Whip and Impeachment Committee Chairperson, @Makashule, confirmed that the Committee will oppose the President’s urgent interdict application and proceed with its parliamentary process… pic.twitter.com/tmtK1ms6Bg

— RISE Mzansi (@Rise_Mzansi) June 18, 2026