Wendy Dondolo | Published 1 hour ago
The Parliamentary Impeachment Committee on the Section 89 enquiry has resolved to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa’s urgent court application seeking to stop the impeachment process against him, escalating a high-stakes constitutional battle now headed for the Western Cape High Court.
The committee confirmed it had also decided to request the Speaker of the National Assembly to join its opposition to the President’s interdict application.
“The committee has also resolved to request the Speaker of the National Assembly to join the committee in opposing the interdict by the President,” committee said
The President launched an urgent application on June12, 2026, seeking to interdict the committee from proceeding with its work. The matter is set down for hearing on July 15 and 16, 2026, in the Western Cape High Court.
According to the committee, its decision follows legal advice received on the implications of the application and its constitutional obligations to continue with the enquiry.
“This decision follows the committee’s consideration of a legal opinion received today on the implications of the application and the committee’s constitutional obligations,” committee said.
The committee emphasised that its mandate originates from a Constitutional Court directive, which ordered that the Independent Panel Report be referred for consideration under National Assembly rules.
“The committee exists because of an order of the Constitutional Court, which directed that the Independent Panel Report be referred to the Impeachment Committee for consideration in terms of the National Assembly Rules. That order remains binding unless set aside or varied by a competent court.”
It further noted that it remains bound by that order unless a court rules otherwise, and that it will continue with its work while the legal dispute unfolds.
“The obligation to proceed arises from an order of the Constitutional Court, while the urgent interdict application will be heard in the Western Cape High Court. The courts will determine the legal implications of that distinction.”
“The committee remains bound by the Constitutional Court order and will continue to discharge its responsibilities diligently and without delay.”
The committee also highlighted a jurisdictional question at the centre of the dispute, noting the interaction between the Constitutional Court order and the pending High Court application.
“The committee has also noted an important jurisdictional issue that forms part of the legal debate before court.”
Despite the legal challenge, the committee confirmed it will continue preparing for the next phase of the process, including drafting terms of reference and appointing evidence leaders.
“The committee will meet on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, to consider its draft terms of reference and the process of appointing evidence leaders.”
The deadline for filing a notice to oppose the President’s application is Friday, June 19, 2026.
The committee’s position sets the stage for a constitutional standoff between Parliament’s impeachment mechanism and the Presidency, with both sides now preparing to argue their case in court next month.
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