Democratic Alliance (DA) parliamentary leader George Michalakis has expressed satisfaction with the Constitutional Court’s Phala Phala judgment, describing it as an important ruling for both the country and Parliament.
Speaking from Parliament in Cape Town, Michalakis said the DA has always respected the rule of law and the Constitutional Court, and welcomed the decision.
“We will now fully study the judgment. It’s quite lengthy, but overall we are welcoming it,” Michalakis said. “Now the course of law must take its course.”
When asked about calls from Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step aside, Michalakis rejected that position. He argued that the president stepping aside would not allow him to appear before Parliament.
“It is very important for the interest of the country and for transparency and accountability that he does appear and uses this opportunity to state his case,” Michalakis said.
The DA leader addressed suggestions that his party had changed its stance on the Phala Phala issue after joining the Government of National Unity (GNU). He said that was “not entirely true,” noting that the DA had voted in 2022 to refer the impeachment report to Parliament and had remained in that frame.
Regarding the next steps for Parliament, Michalakis said the ruling strengthens accountability within the legislature, not only for President Ramaphosa but for future presidents as well. He noted that an impeachment process cannot be blocked for political reasons.
“It is empowering in terms of members of Parliament holding the executive to account, which is a fantastic development in terms of Parliament’s function in our overall democratic system,” he said.
Michalakis called for the establishment of an ad hoc committee to begin the impeachment process, saying it should be done “quite quickly” in the national interest.
“This is a high-profile case that has been coming for many years, and the further it gets drawn out, the less credibility the process will have,” he said. “South Africans want clarity, they want transparency, they want answers.”
He urged the Speaker of the National Assembly to prioritize the matter so the public can receive the answers they have been hoping for.
Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo has said that Parliament will now study the judgment carefully and assess what it means for National Assembly procedures.
