'You can't dodge accountability': Ramaphosa under fire in Phala Phala court showdown
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing a legal challenge in the Western Cape High Court as he attempts to halt a parliamentary impeachment inquiry regarding the Phala Phala scandal. Multiple political parties are opposing his application, arguing that he must be held accountable.
Why it matters
The case is a significant test of presidential accountability and the separation of powers within the South African political landscape.
President Cyril Ramaphosa's fight to stop Parliament's Phala Phala impeachment inquiry ran into opposition from four political corners and probing questions from a full bench on the first day of argument in the Western Cape High Court on Wednesday.
Ramaphosa's counsel, Advocate Wim Trengove SC, argued alone against a line-up of some of SA's most senior silks, with the MK Party mocking the application outside court as a waste of time.
Ramaphosa wants the impeachment committee barred from starting its public inquiry until the same court has decided whether the report that triggered it should be set aside, a review set down for September 2 to 4.
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