ANC raises concerns over 'parallel process' in Ramaphosa impeachment inquiry
The ANC has expressed alarm regarding what it terms a “parallel process” by Parliament’s Impeachment Committee, warning that preparations for the Section 89 inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa could undermine ongoing judicial proceedings before the Western Cape High Court. Ramaphosa faces impeachment over the 2020 Phala Phala scandal, where over half a million US dollars was stolen from his game farm. The Constitutional Court recently dismissed an urgent appeal to overturn a Western Cape High Court ruling that halted Ramaphosa’s impeachment inquiry. The ANC stated its concern that continuing parallel processes may lead to “unnecessary duplication, procedural confusion and wasteful expenditure,” advocating for an inclusive and fair process. ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula urged Parliament to address pressing issues like the rising cost of living with equal urgency. The Constitutional Court's decision to refuse direct access for an appeal has drawn criticism from the MK party and the EFF, who argue it risks weakening parliamentary oversight and delaying accountability. MK party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu noted growing public concern about accountability, while the EFF criticized the court's reasoning. Several political parties had sought to overturn the Western Cape High Court ruling that granted Ramaphosa an interdict, which halted public hearings of Parliament’s impeachment committee. Ramaphosa is seeking to overturn the independent panel’s findings, which concluded