The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have filed an application with the Constitutional Court seeking to overturn a Western Cape High Court interdict which halted Parliament’s Section 89 public hearings into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s impeachment inquiry, arguing that the court’s intervention unlawfully suspends Parliament’s constitutional oversight role before any findings were reached.

EFF Calls Court Ruling An Obstruction Of Parliamentary Oversight

The EFF’s submission, made on 29 July 2026, asks the Constitutional Court for direct leave to appeal against the interim order. The party argues this order prevents Parliament from fulfilling its obligation to investigate the President’s conduct as required by the Constitution. As reported by SABC News, the EFF insists the High Court ruling constitutes “unlawful interference” with the legislature’s duties.

The African Transformation Movement (ATM), led by Vuyo Zungula, has joined the EFF’s challenge, with both parties having previously stated their opposition to President Ramaphosa’s efforts to delay the inquiry through legal channels. The ATM maintains that delays in the accountability process undermine public trust in oversight institutions.

Legal Dispute Arises From Halting Of Section 89 Inquiry

On 24 July 2026, the Western Cape High Court temporarily stopped Parliament’s Section 89 impeachment proceedings against President Ramaphosa, following his application to review the independent panel report that sparked the process. According to Business Day, this interim interdict will stay in place until the High Court makes a final decision on the legality of the panel’s report.

The EFF and ATM acted promptly after the court’s decision, reiterating that parliamentary processes regarding the Phala Phala scandal—centred on allegations of concealed foreign currency theft from the President’s farm—should progress without court-imposed delays. IOL News quoted: “The EFF and ATM moved swiftly on Saturday to indicate that they will oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa’s application to interdict Parliament from proceedings with the impeachment inquiry.”

Broader Implications For Parliamentary Accountability

The legal standoff raises questions about the balance of power between the judiciary and Parliament. Section 89 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to initiate removal proceedings against a sitting president found guilty of serious misconduct. The EFF’s application, if successful, would restore Parliament’s authority to proceed with its oversight functions—with significant implications for future checks on executive power.

The Constitutional Court’s response to the EFF’s appeal will determine when, or if, the Section 89 impeachment inquiry into President Ramaphosa resumes. Further updates will depend on directions issued by the country’s highest court.