Ramaphosa defends Speaker Didiza's independence amid impeachment court clash

President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended Speaker of Parliament Thoko Didiza's decision not to oppose his urgent application to interdict the impeachment committee, asserting her independence and adherence to the constitution. Didiza filed a notice to abide by the court's ruling and will submit an explanatory affidavit to assist the Western Cape High Court. This decision comes after the impeachment committee resolved to oppose Ramaphosa's application, following advice from an independent legal expert. Ramaphosa, speaking on the sidelines of an ANC voter registration campaign, emphasized the separation of powers, stating that the Speaker must act independently. He approached the Western Cape High Court seeking an urgent interdict to prevent the start of an impeachment inquiry until his review application against the Section 89 Independent Panel's report is finalized. Opposition parties, including ActionSA, ATM, MK party, and EFF, have criticized Didiza's move, calling it partisan and a dereliction of duty. The DA also supports the legal opinion that Parliament should oppose the application. The High Court is scheduled to hear Ramaphosa's interdict application on July 15 and 16.