The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has announced its intention to urgently approach the Constitutional Court following a split judgement delivered by the Western Cape High Court. The High Court granted President Cyril Ramaphosa an interim interdict that halts Parliament from moving forward with public hearings for the Section 89 impeachment enquiry.
The split judgement and constitutional uncertainty
In a statement released on 24 July 2026, the ATM highlighted that the High Court ruling was not unanimous. While the majority favoured granting the interdict, the dissenting opinion argued that the President failed to make a case for interim relief.
The party stressed that this is far from an ordinary dispute, as it directly impacts the implementation of a prior Constitutional Court order that referred the Independent Panel report directly to Parliament's Impeachment Committee. The ATM asserts that allowing a split judgement on whether Parliament can enforce an apex court order creates severe constitutional uncertainty and an unsustainable precedent where a lower court interferes with supreme judicial decisions.
Legal strategy and path forward
The ATM confirmed that its legal team has been instructed to petition the Constitutional Court on an urgent basis to clarify the implementation and effect of its original order. The party maintains that this action is not an attack on the judiciary, but rather a lawful measure to establish clear boundaries regarding parliamentary responsibilities, constitutional authority, and the progression of the Section 89 process.
Commitment to accountability
Emphasising its dedication to constitutional accountability, the ATM stated that the Phala Phala matter must not be subjected to indefinite delays through continuous litigation. The party concluded by pointing out that despite securing an interim interdict, the President has not been cleared of the underlying allegations, and legal papers will be filed without delay.