Pretoria – The Presidency says it has noted the judgment of the Constitutional Court in the case brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters challenging the National Assembly’s decision with respect to Section 89 proceedings against the President.
Earlier on Friday, 8 May 2026, the Constitutional Court ruled that the National Assembly acted unlawfully and irrationally when it voted in December 2022 to reject the Section 89 Independent Panel’s report on the Phala Phala farm burglary involving President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The court found that Parliament failed to properly discharge its constitutional oversight obligations by dismissing the panel’s prima facie findings of possible serious violations of the Constitution and misconduct without meaningful consideration or referral to a committee.
The apex court set aside the Assembly’s decision and ordered Parliament to establish an ad hoc committee to initiate a proper impeachment inquiry process.
Commenting for the first time about the ruling, the Presidency said: “President Cyril Ramaphosa respects the Constitutional Court’s judgment and reaffirms his commitment to the Constitution, the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law”.
The Presidency added: “President Ramaphosa has been consistent in providing his full assistance to the various enquiries into this matter.
“President Ramaphosa maintains that no person is above the law and that any allegations should be subjected to due process without fear, favour or prejudice.”
The President called on all South Africans to respect the Constitutional Court judgment and all judicial institutions.
Opposition parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters, welcomed the decision as a victory for the rule of law, while the African National Congress indicated it would respect the judgment.
Meanwhile, Parliament said it notes and respects the judgment of the Constitutional Court in the matter brought by the EFF, challenging the Sixth Parliament’s handling of the Section 89 Independent Panel Report relating to President Ramaphosa.
“Parliament will carefully study and consider the court’s judgment and its implications for the procedures of the National Assembly,” said Parliament Spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo.
