Tomorrow, South Africa gets its answer: Did Parliament lawfully reject the Section 89 panel findings? Pic AIG
Thokozile Mnguni
All eyes are on the Constitutional Court as a politically explosive legal battle reaches its climax, with a judgment that could reshape how Parliament is held to account.
After months of legal debate and intense public scrutiny, attention now turns once again to the apex court, where a closely watched ruling in the Phala Phala matter is expected on Friday at 10:00.
In anticipation of the judgment, the Economic Freedom Fighters has confirmed it will stage a picket outside the court in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, beginning at 07:00 tomorrow morning.
In a statement, the party said the demonstration will take place ahead of the handing down of judgment in its constitutional challenge.
The case stems from the EFF’s legal challenge over Parliament’s decision not to proceed with an impeachment inquiry linked to allegations involving President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Phala Phala farm matter.
At the centre of the dispute is whether Parliament acted within its constitutional powers when it declined to act on the findings of the Section 89 panel report.
The matter was previously argued before the Constitutional Court of South Africa, with Judgment reserved.
Tomorrow’s ruling is expected to provide clarity on Parliament’s oversight responsibilities and could have far-reaching implications for accountability processes in South Africa.
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has reiterated its stance on the Phala Phala matter, alleging state involvement in covering up the 2020 robbery at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm.
ATM spokesperson Zama Ntshona told The News Desk the party expects the Constitutional Court to overturn a decision that halted impeachment proceedings linked to findings that there was prima facie evidence requiring the President to account for alleged breaches of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act.
He said the party wants the process reinstated so the matter can be fully examined.
“The impeachment committee must be set up so the issue is ventilated for the country to know what really transpired,” Ntshona said.
He added that a proper process would help clear uncertainty around the President.
