‘It’s a spit on the face of our people’: Parties slam Phala Phala ruling as ANC defends Ramaphosa

ANC members picket outside Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on 5 December 2022. Picture: Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi Political parties have sharply differed in their reactions after parliament’s impeachment inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal was temporarily halted. The Western Cape High Court in Cape Town on Friday, 24 July 2026,granted an interim interdictpreventing National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and impeachment committee chairperson Makashule Gana from continuing with the process.

The decision remains in place pending the outcome ofRamaphosa’s review applicationagainst the Section 89 independent panel report. That report found that the president has questions to answer regarding the theft of approximately $580 000 (about R9.6 million) from his Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo in February 2020. The review application is set to be heard from2 to 4 September.

ANC MP and impeachment committee memberMikateko Mahlauleon Friday defended the court’s decision, describing it as a reflection of constitutional protections rather than a setback for parliamentary oversight. “We respect the independence of the judiciary, and we see this not as a way to impede Parliament in continuing with its obligation to hold the president accountable. “But this is the justice that the president has sought, of relief pending his review.

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“We think that the judgment really affirms that everyone in South Africa has the right, including the president himself,” he told the media. Mahlaule urged political parties not to mischaracterise the ruling as a judgment on the president’s guilt or innocence. “It has nothing to do with that,” the ANC member remarked.

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