President Cyril Ramaphosa can be legally summoned to testify in the Section 89 impeachment inquiry, according to parliamentary guidance, but the Western Cape High Court has temporarily halted the proceedings pending a legal review of the independent panel report that led to the inquiry. This comes as MK Party parliamentary leader Dr. John Hlophe insisted that Ramaphosa must personally appear before the committee and not give evidence through a representative, on 23 July 2026. The following day, the High Court granted an interim interdict, suspending Parliament’s process until the legality of the report is determined.

Legal Basis For Personal Testimony

Parliamentary officials have advised that the law provides for compelling the president to testify directly before the committee, rather than through intermediaries. Dr. Hlophe told the committee, “He does not have a choice and I am glad there seems to be consensus that evidence must be given by the president, not through an intermediary or a representative.” He added, “The law cannot be redefined by us in this committee. The law is clear.” These statements confirm that under current parliamentary procedure, Ramaphosa’s personal appearance is required if the inquiry proceeds.

Ongoing Legal Uncertainty And Implications

The impeachment proceedings stem from allegations linked to the Phala Phala farm scandal, involving the theft of foreign currency from Ramaphosa’s property and subsequent questions about reporting and disclosure. The legal challenge mounted by Ramaphosa has focused on the process followed by the independent panel whose report triggered the impeachment inquiry. On 24 July 2026, High Court spokesperson Tara Roos announced, “The Western Cape High Court has granted President Cyril Ramaphosa an interim interdict halting parliament’s section 89 impeachment inquiry pending the determination of his review application challenging the legality of the independent panel report that triggered the process.” Until the court’s review is complete, no further impeachment proceedings are expected.

The outcome of the legal review will determine whether Parliament may resume its inquiry and if Ramaphosa will be compelled to testify. Both Parliament and the president’s legal team are preparing for possible further legal and constitutional challenges.