Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa during the ANC’s meeting for his January 8 declaration at the Moruleng Stadium in the North West. (Photo: @MyANC/X)
The ANC welcomed the Constitutional Court’s ruling between the EFF and the speaker of the national assembly. The party says the verdict was delivered on the 30-year anniversary of the Constitution and reaffirms the principles of accountability, transparency, constitutional review and the importance of institutional checks and balances in constitutional democracy.
In a verdict on Friday, the court found that the special vote that had to determine at the time whether pres. Cyril Ramaphosa having to be placed in a state of impeachment due to the Phala Phala scandal was unconstitutional and therefore invalid.
Parliament must now correct its mistake and the article 89 panel’s report, which found there was enough evidence that Ramaphosa violated the Constitution in relation to the Phala Phala scandal, must be referred to an impeachment committee.
That committee will then have to decide on Ramaphosa’s future.
Also Read: Phala Phala | Special vote was unconstitutional – ruling
The ANC says in response that the court specifically dealt with the process that the national assembly followed in relation to the section 89 panel report.
“The court did not make a finding about the guilt or innocence of President Cyril Ramaphosa nor did it come to the conclusion that the president violated the Constitution or is guilty of any misconduct,” says Mahlengi Bhengu, national spokesperson of the ANC.
“In this regard, the case before the court was only the actions and processes of the parliament and not the president or the ANC.”
The party says it respects the ruling, the supremacy of the Constitution and the role of parliament in exercising its oversight responsibilities.
“The ANC will support the speaker and the National Assembly to ensure compliance with the ruling and the relevant parliamentary rules.”
The party also says it remains committed to the defense of constitutional democracy, the rule of law and the proper functioning of democratic institutions.
Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo: Stefan Heunis/AFP)
In response, Ramaphosa also said that he respected the verdict and reiterated his commitment to the maintenance of the Constitution, the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.
The presidency said in a statement that Ramaphosa had continuously given his full cooperation with the investigation.
“President Ramaphosa maintains that no one is above the law and that any allegations must be submitted to proper processes without fear, favor or prejudice.
“The president appeals to all South Africans to respect the Constitution’s verdict and all judicial institutions.”