Opposition parties have expressed mixed reactions after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that he will challenge the Phala Phala independent panel report through a judicial review process and will not resign from office.
Ramaphosa made the announcement during a national address on Monday night, insisting that he had neither stolen public money nor committed any crime. He also maintained that he had cooperated fully with all investigations into the matter.
The President’s decision follows a recent ruling by the Constitutional Court of South Africa directing Parliament to refer the Phala Phala report to an impeachment committee for further consideration.
Democratic Alliance leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said Ramaphosa’s decision to seek a judicial review should not be used to delay Parliament’s constitutional responsibilities.
Hill-Lewis said it was important for the legal position to be clarified as quickly as possible, adding that Parliament still had work to do regarding the impeachment process.
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters said it had anticipated Ramaphosa’s move.
EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said the party plans to oppose the President’s review application in court and called on Parliament Speaker Thoko Didiza to continue with impeachment proceedings.
Thambo accused Ramaphosa of attempting to undermine the Constitutional Court’s directive by using legal processes to delay accountability.
The Inkatha Freedom Party adopted a more measured stance, with spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa saying the President was exercising his legal rights within a constitutional democracy.
Hlengwa said Parliament nevertheless remained duty-bound to implement the Constitutional Court’s judgment, particularly in setting precedent for how impeachment processes should be handled in future.
The uMkhonto we Sizwe Party has also reiterated its intention to pursue accountability measures against Ramaphosa.
Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela accused Parliament of shielding the President and confirmed that the party would push ahead with a motion of no confidence.
Ndhlela argued that ordinary South Africans would face arrest under similar circumstances involving large sums of undeclared cash, saying the President should not be treated differently.
Political pressure on Ramaphosa continues to mount as Parliament prepares to respond to the Constitutional Court ruling and opposition parties intensify calls for accountability over the Phala Phala scandal.