What Happened?
The Constitutional Court said no to the African Transformation Movement’s (ATM) request to jump straight to the highest court to challenge a Western Cape High Court order. That order had put a pause on Parliament’s impeachment inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Why Was the Inquiry Paused?
Last month the Western Cape High Court ruled that the impeachment committee cannot hold public hearings until Ramaphosa’s review application is finished. He is asking the court to overturn a report by an independent panel that said he has a case to answer regarding the Phala Phala farm scandal.
ATM’s Move to the Constitutional Court
ATM leader Vuyo Zungula asked the Constitutional Court for permission to appeal the high court’s decision directly, bypassing the usual route. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party and United Africans Transformation (UAT) also wanted to file a replying affidavit to support the ATM’s stance.
The Court’s Reasoning
- The Constitutional Court looked at both the request for direct appeal and the wish to file a replying affidavit.
- It decided there wasn’t enough grounds to allow the replying affidavit.
- More importantly, the court said it would not hear the case now because the outcome of Ramaphosa’s review application in the Western Cape Division will make the current interdict (the pause) irrelevant.
- Since the issue will likely become moot soon, hearing it now would not serve the interests of justice.
What the Court Decided
- Leave to file a replying affidavit: refused.
- Leave to appeal directly to the Constitutional Court: refused.
- No costs were awarded to either side.
Who Else Was Involved?
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), MK Party, and UAT teamed up with the ATM in court, all hoping to overturn the high court’s interim interdict that stopped Parliament’s impeachment probe.
Looking Ahead
The focus now shifts back to the Western Cape High Court, where Ramaphosa’s review application will be decided. Once that ruling comes out, the temporary halt on the impeachment hearings will either lift automatically or become unnecessary, depending on the judgment.
Conclusion
For now, the Constitutional Court has stepped back, saying the upcoming high court decision will settle the matter. Teen readers interested in South African politics should watch the Western Cape High Court’s upcoming ruling—it will determine whether the impeachment inquiry into President Ramaphosa can move forward. Stay tuned, as this story continues to develop.
