Ramaphosa vows continued cooperation after court halts impeachment proceedings

The court temporarily halted Parliament's Section 89 impeachment proceedings against the president, describing the ruling as part of the constitutional process.

The High Court on Friday granted an interim interdict pausing the impeachment process, pending the outcome of the president's application to review the findings of an Independent Panel into the Phala Phala matter.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says Ramaphosa said he respects the court's decision and remains committed to the rule of law.

"President Cyril Ramaphosa notes the Western Cape High Court's granting today of the President’s urgent application to temporarily interdict and pause Section 89 impeachment proceedings by Parliament."

The president approached the court seeking to suspend the impeachment process until a separate review application, challenging the legality and findings of the Independent Panel report, is finalised.

The panel had earlier found that Ramaphosa may have a case to answer in relation to the 2020 theft of foreign currency at his Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo.

Ramaphosa has consistently maintained that the process must be lawful and procedurally fair, arguing that the panel applied an incorrect legal standard in reaching its conclusions.

In its response to the ruling, the Presidency emphasised the importance of respecting constitutional principles, including the independence of the judiciary and the separation of powers.

"The president reaffirms his respect of judicial independence and separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution,” Magwenya said.

"The president will continue to cooperate with and abide by processes of accountability."

The court's decision means Parliament's impeachment committee is barred from proceeding with hearings until the review application is heard and determined.

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Western Cape High Court Limpopo President Cyril Ramaphosa Phala Phala Section 89 impeachment

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