The Western Cape High Court has granted President Cyril Ramaphosa an interim interdict preventing Parliament's Section 89 impeachment committee from proceeding with public hearings until his legal review of the independent panel's report has been decided.

The majority of the full bench found that Ramaphosa met the legal requirements for interim relief, although one judge disagreed and would have dismissed the application.The ruling temporarily pauses the impeachment process rather than bringing it to an end.

The ANC welcomed the judgment, arguing that it confirms the president's constitutional right to seek relief through the courts and that accountability processes can continue once the review has been finalised.

ANC representatives stressed that the judgment does not deal with Ramaphosa's guilt or innocence, but only with whether the impeachment proceedings should continue while the review is pending.Parliament said it would study the judgment with its legal advisers before deciding on its next steps.Opposition parties reacted with varying degrees of concern.

The DA said it would examine the court's reasoning but maintained that the committee could still continue with administrative preparations, such as appointing evidence leaders and finalising witness lists.

The EFF criticised the decision, arguing that it appears to conflict with previous Constitutional Court directions for Parliament to continue with the impeachment inquiry, and accused the president of avoiding accountability.The MK Party also condemned the ruling, claiming it unnecessarily delays efforts to establish the facts surrounding the Phala Phala matter.

Rise Mzansi accepted the judgment, emphasising respect for the rule of law and judicial independence while noting that Parliament's constitutional oversight responsibilities must ultimately continue.

The Presidency reiterated that Ramaphosa respects the independence of the judiciary and remains committed to co-operating with all lawful accountability processes.