Impeachment committee chair opposes Ramaphosa's court bid

The chairperson of South Africa's parliamentary impeachment committee has formally opposed President Cyril Ramaphosa's attempt to halt an inquiry into his conduct, arguing that doing so would undermine constitutional accountability and the separation of powers. Makashule Gana filed an answering affidavit in the Western Cape High Court on Monday, June 22, 2026, challenging the president's urgent application for an interdict.

The committee, established to consider impeachment proceedings, will continue its work despite the legal challenge. Gana confirmed the committee will meet on Wednesday, June 24, to finalize its terms of reference and begin appointing evidence leaders. He argued that granting the interdict would effectively suspend the committee's work for years while lengthy legal processes and potential appeals run their course, violating the constitutional principle that obligations be performed without delay.

The inquiry stems from a Constitutional Court judgment on May 8, which set aside the National Assembly's 2022 decision not to proceed with impeachment and referred the matter back to Parliament. The case centers on a report by an independent panel that found prima...