The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called on Parliament to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa’s attempt to halt impeachment proceedings linked to the Phala Phala matter through a judicial review process.
The party argues that allowing the president’s legal challenge to proceed unopposed would weaken Parliament’s constitutional authority and undermine its institutional integrity.
President Ramaphosa filed papers in the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday seeking a review of the independent parliamentary panel report that found there may be grounds to conclude he breached the law in relation to the Phala Phala scandal.
EFF Demands Inclusive Parliamentary Legal Process
The EFF has also questioned the role of National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, saying she may be conflicted because she voted against the adoption of the panel’s report in 2022 while serving as a government minister under the African National Congress (ANC).
According to the party, Didiza should ensure that all political parties are involved in legal decisions concerning Parliament’s response to Ramaphosa’s application.
The party’s chief whip, Nontando Nolutshungu, said Parliament must defend its constitutional responsibilities by opposing the court challenge.
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“Not opposing the review of the independent panel report commissioned by Parliament would undermine its authority, integrity and constitutional role,” Nolutshungu said.
In a letter addressed to Didiza, the EFF claimed that only ANC chief whip Mdumiseni Ntuli had allegedly been consulted on legal matters following the Constitutional Court ruling earlier this month directing Parliament to establish an impeachment committee.
DA And ATM Back Impeachment Process Despite Court Challenge
The Democratic Alliance (DA) and African Transformation Movement (ATM) have also weighed in on the matter, insisting that Parliament should continue with the impeachment process regardless of Ramaphosa’s legal action.
The EFF, however, has gone a step further by demanding that Parliament actively oppose the president’s review application in court.
The party wants all political parties represented in Parliament to be given an opportunity to make submissions opposing the application and to contribute towards the appointment of a legal team.
The Times Post learned that the EFF is now threatening legal action of its own should Didiza fail to respond to its demands within the next two days or proceed without broader consultation.
