Cyril Ramaphosa Challenges Report Fueling Impeachment Proceedings

President Cyril Ramaphosa has applied to the Western Cape High Court to overturn a 2022 independent panel report that serves as the foundation for impeachment proceedings against him. The report, led by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, found prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa may have violated the constitution and the law regarding the handling of foreign currency stolen during a burglary at his Phala Phala game farm.

Ramaphosa denies any wrongdoing, asserting that the panel relied on hearsay, misconstrued its mandate, and applied an incorrect legal threshold. While the Constitutional Court ruled in May that Parliament acted unlawfully by blocking the inquiry in 2022, the Western Cape High Court granted Ramaphosa a temporary reprieve in July, barring public hearings until the current review application is decided.

Makashule Gana, Chairperson of Parliament's Impeachment Committee, stated that the Section 89 inquiry remains focused despite these legal challenges. Gana noted that the committee is currently finalizing terms of reference and the evidence leader process to ensure readiness once the court provides legal certainty. The proceedings were originally compelled by a legal challenge brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters.