Parliament’s impeachment committee has resolved to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa’s urgent court application seeking to halt its investigation into the 2020 events at his Phala Phala farm.
The decision was reached after most parties represented on the committee supported an independent legal opinion confirming that the panel has the authority to defend its own work in court.
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However, the Democratic Alliance (DA) disagreed with that view, arguing that Parliament’s Speaker should be responsible for opposing the application on behalf of both Parliament and the committee. Opposition parties maintained that, in the absence of any indication from the Speaker regarding possible action, the committee could not afford to wait.
President Ramaphosa has approached the Western Cape High Court in an effort to suspend the impeachment process while a judicial review of the report that triggered the inquiry is considered.
Phala Phala Inquiry Faces Court Challenge
Not all parties supported the committee’s decision to oppose the President’s application.
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) and Al Jama-ah objected to the move, proposing instead that a second legal opinion be obtained before any action is taken.
The African National Congress (ANC) also took a different position, recommending that the committee comply with any ruling handed down by the courts and submit only a declaratory statement outlining its position.
Committee Majority Backs Opposition To Interdict
Committee chairperson Makashule Gana said time constraints made it unrealistic to seek further legal advice, particularly with a looming court deadline on Friday requiring the committee to indicate its intentions.
“The prevailing opinion based on the inputs 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.
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“I don’t even need to put it to the vote. The numbers are such that those on the side of opposing, they are in the majority,” said Gana.
The committee’s decision means it will formally challenge the President’s bid to stop the proceedings as the legal battle surrounding the Phala Phala matter continues.
