ANC accuses Parliament committee of a ‘parallel process’ after ConCourt blocks impeachment appeal

The ANC has warned that Parliament’s Impeachment Committee is running a “parallel process”, saying preparations for a Section 89 inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa risk undermining judicial proceedings still before the Western Cape High Court.

ConCourt decision halts committee hearings

The Constitutional Court on Wednesday, 12 January 2026, dismissed an urgent bid to appeal the Western Cape High Court ruling that halted the Phala Phala impeachment inquiry. The ConCourt refused direct access and declined leave to appeal, a decision that stopped public hearings by Parliament’s impeachment committee while a court review proceeds.

ANC voices concern

The ANC said it was concerned the continuation of concurrent processes could cause “unnecessary duplication, procedural confusion and wasteful expenditure.”

The party added:

“A matter of such constitutional importance must not be rushed through the mechanical use of a numerical majority. It requires an inclusive, deliberative and fair process that respects the participation of all parties represented in Parliament.”

Calls to focus on other priorities

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula urged Parliament to give equal urgency to material challenges facing South Africans, including the rising cost of living and preparedness for severe weather conditions.

Political reaction to the ConCourt ruling

Several political parties the ATM, EFF, United Africans Transformation and MK party had approached the Constitutional Court seeking to overturn the Western Cape High Court’s decision that granted President Ramaphosa an interdict. That interdict halted the impeachment committee’s public hearings pending a review application by the president.

The ConCourt’s refusal to grant direct access drew criticism from the MK party and the EFF. MK party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said:

“While we respect the authority of our courts, this decision reinforces growing public concern about a system that appears increasingly reluctant to hold those in power to account.”

The EFF expressed disappointment with the ConCourt’s refusal and said the Court’s reasoning that the review application in the Western Cape High Court is “imminent” was flawed.

What the court review concerns

President Ramaphosa is seeking to overturn the findings of a Section 89 independent panel that concluded he has questions to answer about the theft of approximately $580,000 (about R9.6 million) from his Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo in February 2020.

The president’s review application is set to be heard by the Western Cape High Court from 2 to 4 September.