Phala Phala: Constitutional Court Directs Parliament to Begin Impeachment Investigation

Pretoria – The Presidency has recognized the Constitutional Court’s verdict regarding the case brought forth by the Economic Freedom Fighters, which challenged the National Assembly’s actions related to Section 89 proceedings against the President.

On Friday, 8 May 2026, the Constitutional Court ruled that the National Assembly acted unlawfully and irrationally when it voted in December 2022 to dismiss the Section 89 Independent Panel’s report connected to the Phala Phala farm burglary involving President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The court found that Parliament inadequately met its constitutional oversight responsibilities by ignoring the panel’s prima facie findings of possible serious constitutional breaches and misconduct without appropriate examination or referral to a committee.

The highest court overturned the Assembly’s decision and directed Parliament to establish an ad hoc committee to initiate a legitimate impeachment inquiry process.

In response to the ruling, the Presidency stated: “President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledges the Constitutional Court’s decision and reaffirms his commitment to the Constitution, the independence of the judiciary, and the rule of law.”

The Presidency further emphasized: “President Ramaphosa has consistently provided his full cooperation in the numerous investigations related to this matter.

“President Ramaphosa believes that no individual is above the law, and any allegations should be subjected to due process without fear, favor, or prejudice.”

The President called upon all South Africans to honor the Constitutional Court’s ruling and all judicial entities.

Opposition parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters, celebrated the decision as a victory for the rule of law, while the African National Congress expressed its commitment to uphold the judgment.