The Constitutional Court of South Africa delivered a landmark ruling on 8 May 2026, declaring Parliament's decision to block an impeachment inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa as unconstitutional.

Chief Justice Mandisa Maya led the majority judgment, invalidating Rule 129I of the National Assembly's rules, which governs impeachment procedures.The court asserted its exclusive jurisdiction over the challenge, stating the rule conflicts with constitutional principles.However, dissenting judges, including Justice Kollapen, warned against judicial overreach, arguing courts should not dictate legislative processes.

The ruling highlights tensions between the judiciary and Parliament over separation of powers, with critics fearing the court's intervention could undermine democratic accountability.The majority opinion emphasized the court's role in upholding constitutional integrity, while dissenters called for judicial restraint.

This case underscores ongoing debates about the limits of judicial authority in political matters, raising concerns about how such decisions impact public trust in elected representatives and institutional balance.