JOHANNESBURG – Political parties have hailed the Constitutional Court’s ruling setting aside the National Assembly vote in the Phala Phala saga.
ActionSA’s National Chairperson, Michael Beaumont, said the judgment was a big victory for democracy.
“One government institution after another has fallen over themselves to assist the President in avoiding accountability in this matter, and Parliament was no better.
“We look forward to this issue returning in a Parliament where the ANC no longer enjoys the majority. They will not be able to protect the president at any cost.”
He said ActionSA would appeal to parties in the Government of National Unity to find their principles.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the party was committed to the rule of law.
READ | Malema says Ramaphosa must resign as Phala Phala impeachment revived
“All that we can say at this point is we respect the decisions of our judiciary, and we will make sure that what needs to be done correctly is done correctly,” said Bhengu.
“This judgment must be transmitted to the ANC for proper ventilation, including on the work that we do in Parliament.”
The Democratic Alliance, a partner in the GNU, said the ruling was a grave moment for Parliament, the Presidency, and for South Africa’s Constitutional democracy.
READ | ConCourt sets aside National Assembly vote on Phala Phala
Solly Msimanga said the party would participate fully and constructively in the impeachment committee.
“This was earth-shattering. The Constitution was tested. We now need to look at what this means for Rule 129. Should it be scrapped or not? What does it mean for the prerogative that Parliament and its members enjoy? This has other permeations that need to be looked at.”
He said the DA’s position remains consistent, that accountability, constitutionalism and the rule of law must always prevail.
In a statement, the African Transformation Movement said the judgment was a reaffirmation that no president, no party majority, and institution stand above the constitution.
“The Phala Phala matter was never about personalities, factions, or political theatre. It has always been about moral governance, the rule of law, and the protection of the people’s trust,” read the statement.