President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to the landmark ruling by the Constitutional Court of South Africa on the Phala Phala matter, saying he respects the judgment and remains committed to the Constitution and the rule of law.
The court ruled that Parliament’s handling of the Phala Phala matter in 2022 was unconstitutional, finding that the vote rejecting an impeachment inquiry was influenced by a material error of law.
The ruling was handed down by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya following an application brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters and the African Transformation Movement.
The court ordered that the independent Section 89 panel report be referred to an impeachment committee for proper consideration.
In a statement, the Presidency said Ramaphosa respects the authority of the Constitutional Court and reaffirmed his commitment to judicial independence and constitutional processes.
The Presidency added that the president has consistently cooperated with all investigations and inquiries related to the matter.
It further stated that Ramaphosa maintains that no individual is above the law and that all allegations should be subjected to due legal process without fear, favour or prejudice.
The Presidency also called on South Africans to respect the Constitutional Court’s ruling and the country’s judicial institutions.
Meanwhile, the African National Congress said it remains committed to the rule of law.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the party respects the judiciary and would ensure that any necessary parliamentary processes are properly followed.
She added that the judgment would be discussed within the ANC, including in relation to the party’s work in Parliament.