South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa Wins Court Interdict Halting Impeachment Over Phala Phala Cash

On 24 July 2026 the Western Cape High Court granted President Cyril Ramaphosa an interim interdict, temporarily stopping Parliament’s public impeachment hearings concerning the Phala Phala farm scandal. The court ruled that the Section 89 impeachment committee cannot proceed with public hearings until a pending judicial review of the November 2022 independent panel report – which alleged the president may have committed serious constitutional violations involving $580,000 hidden in a sofa – is decided. Judge André le Grange delivered a mixed judgment, with the majority finding that Ramaphosa met the criteria for relief. Parliament may continue preparatory tasks such as finalising terms of reference, but public testimony is paused. A full hearing on Ramaphosa’s challenge to the panel’s findings is scheduled for 2‑4 September 2026. Ramaphasa, who denies wrongdoing, said he “reaffirms his respect for judicial independence and the Constitution” and will cooperate with accountability processes. Opposition parties and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party criticised the ruling as a delay to accountability, while the Democratic Alliance called for an expedited review.