Constitutional Court dismisses ATM's urgent Ramaphosa impeachment appeal

The Constitutional Court has delivered a blow to the African Transformation Movement (ATM) by dismissing its urgent application to revive impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa. Chief Justice Mandisa Maya led the panel that determined the case did not meet the requirements for direct access at this time.

The legal battle stems from the ongoing Phala Phala farm theft controversy. ATM leader Vuyolwethu Zungula had hoped the apex court would intervene to overturn a previous halt on the Section 89 committee’s work, which is investigating the President’s conduct.

Judicial Process Must Run Its Course

In the ruling issued on 12 August 2026, the court explained that it was not in the interests of justice to hear the matter urgently. A key factor in this decision is a pending judgment from the Western Cape High Court concerning a judicial review filed by Ramaphosa himself.

The justices believe the upcoming High Court ruling is likely to settle the current dispute. By waiting for that decision, the court avoids unnecessary intervention in a matter that may be resolved through standard legal channels shortly.

The Phala Phala Standoff

The impeachment process was initially paused in July 2026 after the Western Cape High Court granted an interim interdict. This order stopped the committee from moving forward while the President challenged the findings of an independent panel report into the farm scandal.

While the ATM and other opposition parties like the EFF and MK Party were involved in the application, the court stood firm on procedural grounds. No order for costs was made against the applicants despite the dismissal of their bid.

Public reaction to the ruling has been swift and polarized. Supporters of the President view the decision as a validation of due process, while opposition critics argue the delay hinders political accountability for the Phala Phala incident.