Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa says he will respect the rule of law and cooperate with constitutional processes as Parliament moves towards a possible impeachment inquiry linked to the Phala Phala farm scandal.
Responding to the Presidency budget vote debate in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Ramaphosa largely sidestepped opposition calls to explain the Phala Phala matter, instead focusing on government’s efforts to grow the economy, create jobs and address the country’s challenges.
The renewed focus on the scandal follows a Constitutional Court ruling in favour of the EFF and ATM, which set aside Parliament’s earlier decision to halt impeachment proceedings.
The judgment revived the Section 89 process and paved the way for Parliament to consider whether impeachment proceedings against the president should continue.
While opposition MPs repeatedly raised the issue during the debate, Ramaphosa dismissed what he described as political grandstanding ahead of the local government elections, saying his administration would not be distracted by “political theatre” or “electoral posturing”.
For years, corruption, dysfunction and mismanagement at Transnet was a severe constraint on growth. It has taken a great effort, involving partners across government and across industry, to turn the situation around.
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) June 3, 2026
Addressing the matter briefly, Ramaphosa said his approach was guided by the Constitution and the rule of law.
“My approach to this matter is guided – as it has always been – by the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law,” he said.
He added that democratic institutions must be allowed to perform their functions without interference or intimidation and pledged to respect Parliament’s authority and court rulings.
“I will continue to uphold the principles and safeguard the integrity of my office. I will respect the work and authority of Parliament and abide by the rulings of our courts,” Ramaphosa said.
The president has, however, revived a judicial review application challenging the findings of the independent Section 89 panel report, which previously found that he had a case to answer regarding the theft of foreign currency from his Phala Phala game farm in 2020.
Ramaphosa also used the debate to contrast his administration with the era of state capture under former president Jacob Zuma. He said state institutions had been weakened to protect corruption and patronage networks, while his administration was rebuilding the Presidency and strengthening state capacity.
According to Ramaphosa, strategic priorities such as structural reform, investment and state security are now being coordinated from the Presidency as part of efforts to repair damage caused during the state capture period.
Despite mounting political pressure, Ramaphosa insisted that government remains focused on economic growth and transformation, saying South Africans would ultimately judge the administration by its performance rather than parliamentary debates.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
