WATCH | Ramaphosa cannot avoid scrutiny, says impeachment committee chair Gana

Cape Town – Impeachment committee chair Makashule Gana has warned that stopping Parliament’s inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa would undermine constitutional accountability and the separation of powers.

In an affidavit filed at the Western Cape High Court, Gana opposed Ramaphosa’s bid to halt the committee’s work while he challenges the findings of the Section 89 Independent Panel report linked to the Phala Phala matter, The Citizen reported.

Gana said the committee would continue with its process, including finalising its terms of reference and appointing evidence leaders. He argued that granting Ramaphosa an interdict could delay proceedings for years due to lengthy legal processes.

“The matter is scheduled to be heard in the Western Cape High Court on 15 and 16 July 2026.

“The committee will continue with its work and will meet on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, to consider its draft terms of reference and the process for appointing evidence leaders,” a statement read.

IMPEACHMENT COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON FILES AFFIDAVIT OPPOSING PRESIDENT’S INTERDICT

Parliament, Monday, 22 June 2026 – The Chairperson of the Impeachment Committee on Section 89 Enquiry, Mr Makashule Gana, today filed an affidavit opposing the urgent application brought by… pic.twitter.com/9Np5m00IuI

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) June 22, 2026

The committee was established after the Constitutional Court overturned Parliament’s 2022 decision not to proceed with impeachment proceedings and referred the matter back for further consideration.

Ramaphosa is seeking to have the panel’s findings, which identified prima facie evidence of possible serious misconduct and constitutional violations, reviewed and set aside.

[WATCH] The Phala Phala impeachment committee chairperson Makashule Gana has filed an opposing affidavit, challenging President Cyril Ramaphosa’s urgent application to halt its work. He argues that granting the interdict would breach the separation of powers doctrine. @ZOLEKV_Q… pic.twitter.com/IpOAMhX03W

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 22, 2026

Gana said the president would have an opportunity to respond to evidence and defend himself, adding that the committee’s role is only to assess the matter and not remove the president.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa defended Speaker of Parliament Thoko Didiza’s decision not to oppose his court application, saying she was acting independently in line with the separation of powers.

Didiza has chosen to abide by the court’s decision and will submit an affidavit explaining Parliament’s position. The legal challenge is set to be heard in the Western Cape High Court on 15 and 16 July.