President Cyril Ramaphosa has secured a temporary reprieve from the public impeachment hearings against him, following a High Court ruling that suspended the process pending the outcome of his legal challenge to the Section 89 Independent Panel report.

The decision, delivered by Acting Deputy Judge President André le Grange, acknowledged the potential for irreparable harm to Ramaphosa's reputation if the hearings proceeded before his review application was resolved.While the court granted a limited interim interdict, it did not halt the impeachment process entirely.

Opposition parties, including the DA, EFF, MK Party, and Rise Mzansi, criticized the ruling as an attempt to delay accountability, with some accusing Ramaphosa of avoiding scrutiny over alleged misconduct linked to the Phala Phala farm scandal.The ANC defended the president's legal action, emphasizing constitutional rights and procedural fairness.Impeachment Committee chairperson Makashule Gana stated the committee would reassess its next steps after studying the full judgment.

The case will be heard by the Constitutional Court from September 2 to 4, with Parliament expected to continue preparatory work under court supervision.