Parliament faces a critical week as the impeachment committee investigating President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal prepares to push ahead with its work despite a pending court application to halt proceedings. This whilst National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza’s decision not to oppose the president’s legal bid has sparked fierce criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups.
Committee vows to continue inquiry
The Section 89 impeachment committee, established following a Constitutional Court order in May, is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to consider its draft terms of reference and discuss the appointment of evidence leaders. This comes despite President Ramaphosa filing an urgent application in the Western Cape High Court seeking to interdict the committee from proceeding with its inquiry.
The committee, chaired by Makashule Gana, resolved on 18 June to oppose the president’s interdict application, maintaining that it has a constitutional obligation to carry out the Constitutional Court’s order. The court had ruled that the National Assembly’s 2022 decision not to refer the independent panel report to an impeachment committee was unlawful.
Speaker Didiza opts to abide by court decision
However, Speaker Didiza has taken a different approach. On Friday, 19 June, she filed a notice indicating she will abide by the court’s decision rather than formally opposing the president’s application. She has stated she will submit an explanatory affidavit to assist the court in understanding Parliament’s role and constitutional responsibilities.
Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo stated that whilst the approaches of the speaker and the impeachment committee regarding the court application are not identical, they are neither inconsistent nor in conflict. The hearing for the president’s interdict application is scheduled for 15 and 16 July, whilst his broader judicial review of the panel report is set for 2 to 4 September.
Opposition parties condemn speaker’s stance
Didiza’s decision has drawn sharp condemnation from multiple political parties. The EFF described it as a “shameful abdication of constitutional responsibility” that undermines the integrity and independence of Parliament. The party said it is losing confidence in Didiza’s ability to discharge her duties.
ActionSA expressed deep disappointment, alleging that the ANC forced the speaker’s hand to prioritise political protection over constitutional duty. The party said the decision undermines Parliament’s role as a check on executive power.
National Assembly to consider Appropriation Bill
Beyond the impeachment controversy, Parliament has entered a crucial week as both the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces prepare to conclude key legislative and oversight work before members break for their constituency period.
The National Assembly is expected to wrap up its second-term programme on Tuesday with consideration of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, a critical piece of legislation that allocates funding from the National Revenue Fund for government departments and programmes during the 2026/27 financial year. The bill also sets conditions for spending ahead of the next financial cycle and is regarded as one of the most significant items on Parliament’s annual agenda.
In addition to the budget legislation, the assembly will consider a report from the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities recommending candidates to fill vacancies in the Commission for Gender Equality. The appointments follow a Constitutional Court injunction and form part of Parliament’s constitutional responsibility to ensure the commission remains fully functional.
Lawmakers will also decide on two draft resolutions arising from mini plenary debates held last month. One proposal, raised by Member of Parliament Sihle Lonzi, calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the capacity of South Africa’s post-school education and training sector to accommodate prospective students. The second, introduced by MP Vuyo Zungula, seeks stronger parliamentary oversight to address the non-recognition of certain traditional and indigenous communities as legitimate kingships.
President to face questions from NCOP delegates
Meanwhile, the National Council of Provinces faces a packed schedule that includes policy debates on several departmental budget votes, legislative deliberations and a question-and-answer session with President Ramaphosa.
On Tuesday, delegates will debate budget votes for the departments of Trade, Industry and Competition, as well as Land Reform and Rural Development. Further discussions on Higher Education are scheduled for Wednesday.
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One of the week’s most anticipated events will take place on Thursday when President Ramaphosa appears before the NCOP to respond to questions from permanent delegates. Issues expected to dominate the session include illegal immigration, criminal infiltration and government efforts to disrupt illicit economic activities.
Parliament’s oversight role will also be in focus throughout the week. On Thursday, chairpersons of Parliament’s peace and security oversight committees will brief the media and stakeholders as part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening public accountability. The engagement will bring together committee leaders responsible for correctional services, justice and security matters to discuss issues that cut across multiple portfolios.
Members of the National Assembly will begin their constituency period on 29 June, followed by NCOP delegates on 8 July, marking a temporary pause in parliamentary sittings as representatives return to engage communities across the country.
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