Parliament’s Impeachment Committee confirmed it has received a legal opinion stating that President Cyril Ramaphosa may be summoned to appear before the committee if he declines a voluntary appearance, as announced on 6 August 2026. The committee, investigating allegations related to the Phala Phala farm scandal, is currently conducting administrative work after the Western Cape High Court granted an interim interdict on 24 July 2026, pausing its hearings pending further legal review.

Legal Opinion And Committee Response

The committee’s recently obtained legal advice recommends that President Ramaphosa first be given an opportunity to appear voluntarily before any step is taken to compel his presence. MPs from several parties, including EFF leader Julius Malema and uMkhonto weSizwe Party Parliamentary leader John Hlophe, expressed support for the legal counsel provided during the latest proceedings.

Parliament’s legal advisor, Sue Ann Isaacs, speaking to committee members, emphasised the importance of following constitutional principles, stating, “Our suggestion is that members take a practical approach to the matter at hand. The Constitution determines the grounds on which the President may be removed.”

Committee Activities And Wider Context

The Impeachment Committee is investigating whether President Ramaphosa committed serious violations of the Constitution or the law, arising from the theft of foreign currency at his Phala Phala farm. The committee’s process remains on hold following the Western Cape High Court’s temporary interdict issued on 24 July 2026, which requires the committee to halt hearings while a legal review takes place.

President Ramaphosa is actively opposing a direct appeal to the Constitutional Court made by the committee and others in relation to the ongoing legal and procedural questions. The committee has indicated it will continue its administrative tasks and await the outcome of ongoing court processes before determining next steps.

The next phase of the impeachment inquiry depends on the resolution of these legal challenges and court proceedings, which will decide when or if hearings can resume and under what legal framework.