ConCourt deals political parties blow in bid to revive Ramaphosa impeachment hearings

The impeachment inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa has suffered another legal setback after the Constitutional Court rejected an urgent bid to overturn an order temporarily halting public hearings.

The apex court on Wednesday dismissed an application by the African Transformation Movement (ATM) and its leader Vuyo Zungula for direct access to urgently challenge the Western Cape High Court’s order preventing Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee from proceeding with public hearings.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and United Africans Transformation (UAT) joined the matter.

In its ruling, the Constitutional Court said it was not in the interests of justice to hear the matter at this stage, noting that the Western Cape High Court is expected to rule on Ramaphosa’s review application in early September.

The court said the outcome of that application could render the interim order and the Constitutional Court challenge moot.

The decision means the High Court’s interim order remains in place, preventing the Impeachment Committee from proceeding with public hearings until the President’s review application is determined.

Despite the setback, committee chairperson, Makashule Gana, said the committee will continue with its preparatory work. 

This included finalising its draft terms of reference and recommending Advocate Thandazani Madonsela as its preferred evidence leader to guide the presentation of evidence and questioning of witnesses.

The Section 89 inquiry stems from the 2020 Phala Phala farm burglary, in which millions in foreign currency were stolen from Ramaphosa’s Limpopo farm.

The committee is tasked with determining whether the President committed a serious violation of the Constitution or the law, or serious misconduct, in connection with the matter.

BREAKING: WATCH👉🏾Chairperson of the #Impeachment Committee for Section89 Enquiry, Mr @Makashule responds to the order handed down by the Constitutional Court in the Zungula v #Ramaphosa matter. The Court has dismissed the application for leave to appeal directly to it. @SABCNews… pic.twitter.com/kCmI8LdTOg

— Impeachment Committee on Section 89 Enquiry (@Impeachment_S89) August 12, 2026