President Cyril Ramaphosa files an application in the Western Cape High Court seeking to have the Section 89 independent panel report on the Phala Phala matter declared unlawful. Multiple reports say the legal challenge targets the findings of the 2022 panel report, including parts that recommend Parliament consider impeachment proceedings against him. The Citizen reports that the application is 63 pages and was filed in May, and other outlets describe the move as aimed at blocking or stopping the impeachment process that Parliament may proceed with following the report.
Chair of the impeachment committee Makashule Gana says Ramaphosa has the right to challenge the report. Gana also indicates that if the president is called before the impeachment committee, he is expected to appear, suggesting the legal bid does not eliminate Parliament’s oversight role.
Overall, the accounts agree that Ramaphosa’s case is before the Western Cape High Court and focuses on the legality of the independent panel’s conclusions, while the impeachment committee continues to prepare for possible proceedings tied to the report.
