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The Democratic Alliance notes and respects today’s judgment interdicting the commencement of Parliament’s formal impeachment inquiry pending the outcome of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s review application.

The judgment does not, however, decide whether the allegations arising from Phala Phala are true, nor does it clear the President of wrongdoing. It determines the order in which the judicial and parliamentary processes must unfold.

President Ramaphosa is entitled to exercise his legal rights. But South Africans are also entitled to answers, and to know that the same standards of accountability apply to every person who holds public office.

The review application must therefore be resolved as urgently as possible. The DA calls on expedited court dates be provided for this matter of national importance.

Parliament should continue with every preparatory step permitted by the Court’s order, so that the impeachment committee is ready to proceed without further delay once the review has been decided.

The DA will continue to approach this matter fairly and without prejudging the outcome. President Ramaphosa must be given a proper opportunity to answer the allegations. At the same time, the office of the President cannot place its occupant beyond scrutiny.

South Africans want institutions they can trust: courts that decide matters independently, a Parliament that holds the executive accountable, and leaders who answer openly when serious questions arise.

That is how we rebuild confidence in our democracy. It is how we show that South Africa can work – for everyone.

Issued by Geordin Hill-Lewis - Leader of the Democratic Alliance