Cape Town – The African National Congress (ANC) has thrown its support behind President Cyril Ramaphosa’s legal challenge to the parliamentary process relating to the Phala Phala matter, insisting that the process must be allowed to unfold in accordance with the law.
Addressing a media briefing on Tuesday, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said the Western Cape High Court’s ruling had not brought the Section 89 impeachment process to an end, but had merely paused it pending the outcome of a judicial review.
“It is a pause, not a cancellation. It did so to allow a proper court to hear and review the case the President is entitled, in law, to bring, which has been set down for 2 to 4 September.”
Mbalula said the court had not ruled on the merits of the Phala Phala matter but had instead sought to ensure that the parliamentary process is conducted lawfully.
“The court did not decide who is right or wrong on the substance. It protected the process so that it is done correctly.”
He added that the Constitutional Court’s judgment of 8 May remains binding and that the parliamentary process would continue once the courts have concluded the review proceedings.
“The parliamentary process remains alive. It will continue once the court has spoken.”
[WATCH] ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula explains the party’s stance on the parliamentary process concerning the President and the order of the Western Cape High Court. He adds that a fair, unrushed process will give the country a result it can stand behind. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/DDgzAoWxaX
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 28, 2026
Mbalula said the ANC believes the President has presented a credible legal case that should be afforded the necessary time without being undermined or rushed.
He also confirmed that the ANC had suspended its participation as a friend of the court on procedural issues while the matter is before the courts.
The ANC Secretary-General defended National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza against the motion of no confidence brought against her, arguing that she had acted constitutionally by remaining impartial while litigation involving the parties is still before the courts.
“The correct and constitutional thing was precisely what she did, not to take a side. To punish a presiding officer for refusing to be partisan is to stand the principle on its head.”
Mbalula also criticised opposition parties for, in his view, using the matter for political gain and accused some legal commentators of misrepresenting the court’s ruling.
He said there had been a false impression that the court had ordered President Ramaphosa’s impeachment.
“The distortion was one that the court had decided that the President must be impeached. There is no such decision of the court.”
Mbalula concluded by saying South Africans deserve accurate information about the legal process so they can form informed opinions rather than relying on politically driven interpretations of the court’s judgment.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
