Impeachment committee to oppose Ramaphosa court bid as inquiry continues
Parliament’s Section 89 Impeachment Committee on Thursday resolved to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa’s urgent court application to halt impeachment proceedings, setting the stage for a legal showdown over the future of the inquiry into the Phala Phala scandal.
The 31-member committee reached the decision following legal advice received during a formal briefing, with chairperson Makashule Gana confirming that a clear majority of members supported opposing the interdict.
Ramaphosa is seeking to stop the committee from proceeding with its work until his review application — aimed at setting aside the Section 89 independent panel report — is heard in court.
The report found that the President may have a case to answer in connection with the 2020 theft of foreign currency at his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo.
Addressing committee members, Gana said the decision to oppose the application was decisive and did not require a formal vote.
"The point that has been made, the prevailing opinion, based on the input that has been made by the parties, is that the committee needs to oppose the urgent application of an interdict by the president. So that is the prevailing opinion of the committee."
Gana confirmed that he would act in his official capacity as chairperson to represent the committee in court proceedings.
"I, as the chairperson of the impeachment committee, align myself with the prevailing opinion of the members of this committee, that we should oppose the application, and I will do so on behalf of the committee."
He also indicated that Parliament’s Speaker would be approached to join the opposition, although the committee was prepared to proceed independently if necessary.
The decision underscores the committee’s determination to continue its work despite the pending legal challenge.
Gana emphasised that the impeachment process has not been halted and that preparations will continue unless a court orders otherwise.
"Just to indicate that the work of the committee has not been interdicted. It continues."
The committee is expected to meet again next week to consider its draft terms of reference and begin the process of appointing evidence leaders — key steps in advancing the inquiry.
"We will continue with the work of the committee until being asked or told to do otherwise by a court of law," Gana said.
The outcome of Ramaphosa’s interdict application is expected to have far-reaching implications for the balance between judicial intervention and parliamentary accountability.
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