EFF slams ConCourt decision to keep Ramaphosa impeachment process on hold

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have expressed disappointment after the Constitutional Court denied their request to directly appeal the suspension of impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Western Cape High Court had earlier barred the Section 89 Impeachment Committee from holding public hearings until Ramaphosa’s review application regarding the independent panel's report was finalized.

The EFF, along with the MK Party and United Africans Transformation (UAT), had joined the court challenge against the interim interdict that suspended Parliament's impeachment inquiry into Ramaphosa. The EFF's spokesperson, Thembi Msane, rejected the Court's characterization of the review application as imminent, noting that it is scheduled to be heard on September 2 and 3, and emphasizing that judgments can take months or even years to be delivered.

Msane argued that the uncertainty surrounding the review process has already hindered Parliament's ability to proceed with the impeachment inquiry, which is a parliamentary process established to enable the legislature to hold the executive accountable. She also raised concerns about the potential weakening of Parliament's constitutional oversight responsibilities and the unresolved implications for the separation of powers if the Constitutional Court's decision is not urgently and finally determined.

Despite the Constitutional Court's refusal to hear the direct appeal, the committee chairperson, Makashule Gana, indicated that the Impeachment Committee would continue with its preparatory work as planned, finalizing the terms of reference and appointing an evidence leader.