The Constitutional Court judgement concerning the Phala Phala matter is “a welcome development against the culture of impunity”, says the South African Council of Churches in a media statement released on Friday.
“As the SACC, we view this as consistent with the commitment made by national church leaders through the Anti-Corruption Covenant signed last month, which calls on both public and private leaders to foster accountability, transparency, and moral integrity in society,” says the statement from the office of Rev Mzwandile Molo general secretary of the SACC.
“We are aware that the judgement is not a reflection of the guilt or otherwise of President Cyril Ramaphosa. We trust that the President will respond to this judgement and the whole Phala Phala matter with the sacredness that is demanded by the high office he occupies, mindful of the esteem with which the Constitution and the people of South Africa regard the Presidency. It must be remembered that the President, like every citizen, remains entitled to the full constitutional protections and due process afforded by our democracy. It is precisely this balance between accountability and constitutional protection that would strengthen public confidence.
“We pray that this judgement will give us a firm foundation to move forward as we seek to cleanse ourselves of the general cancer of corruption and the stench of the Phala Phala revelations.
“It is our hope that political parties and members of the National Assembly will treat this matter with the solemnity and seriousness it deserves. May this be a moment of deep reflection for this country and its political parties, beyond narrow political interests. The journey from this point warrants humility and wisdom, as the outcome of this prescribed parliamentary scrutiny holds serious consequences for the people of South Africa.
“As leaders of the Christian faith, we continue to pray for a country where we defeat corruption, enhance accountability and deepen scrutiny, guided by the Biblical instruction to “learn to do right; seek justice” (Isaiah 1:17),” says the SACC.
The South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals & Federations (SACOFF) has taken note of the recent Constitutional Court judgment concerning parliamentary procedures linked to the Phala Phala matter.
South Africa’s constitutional democracy depends on institutions functioning independently, responsibly, and within the framework of the law. In this regard, SACOFF acknowledges the important role played by the judiciary in clarifying constitutional obligations and safeguarding democratic accountability.
Commenting on the ruling, the South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals & Federations says: “As a faith-based organisation committed to justice, reconciliation, and social stability, SACOFF believes that moments such as these require calm leadership, national maturity, and careful adherence to lawful process rather than emotional reaction or political opportunism.”
In a media statement released today, SACOFF says the ruling should not be misunderstood as a declaration of criminal guilt against any individual and that presumption of innocence remains a cornerstone of justice that must apply to every citizen, including the president.
At the same time, SACOFF emphasises that Parliament’s oversight responsibility is critical to the health of SA and “must be exercised independently, courageously, and in faithful service to the Constitution of South Africa above partisan interests”.
“This moment will once again test the ability of Parliament to exercise its constitutional mandate with integrity, fairness, and independence. South Africans deserve processes that are transparent, credible, and free from both political protectionism and political persecution,” says the statement from the desk of SACOFF president Pastor Bert Pretorius.
The statement continues: “Ecclesiastes 12:14 says: ‘For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.‘
“At the same time, James 1:19 reminds us: ‘Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.‘
“SACOFF therefore calls on Parliament to conduct all next steps with integrity, transparency, fairness, and respect for constitutional order. We further urge all South Africans to allow due process to unfold responsibly and peacefully.
“South Africa cannot afford selective morality, political double standards, or the weakening of democratic oversight. Neither blind defence nor reckless condemnation serves the nation well. What is required is principled consistency, honest leadership, and unwavering commitment to truth and justice.
“Psalm 89:14 declares: ‘Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; mercy and truth go before Your face.’
“SACOFF continues to pray for wisdom, integrity, and discernment within all branches of government and calls on South Africans to remain committed to justice, accountability, fairness, and national unity during this important period in our democracy.
“We further urge all South Africans to allow due process to unfold lawfully and peacefully. In moments of national tension, the nation requires principled leadership, institutional maturity, and unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and accountability.”
In a statement released on Saturday, the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) says the judgement “must be celebrated by all law-abiding South Africans, as it reaffirms a foundational principle of our democracy: that everyone, including the President of the Republic, is equal before the law and will not be treated differently”.
The statement continues: “The ACDP has consistently maintained that accountability is non-negotiable. We supported efforts to hold former President Jacob Zuma accountable during the State Capture era, and we equally supported calls for the leader of the EFF to answer for the unlawful discharge of live ammunition at a political rally. In that same spirit, we can do no other but insist that President Cyril Ramaphosa must also be held to account.
“The Court’s decision to set aside and require the redrafting of Section 129i of the National Assembly Rules, to align with Section 89 of the Constitution, effectively clears the path for the establishment of an impeachment committee. This committee must now consider the evidence, including the findings and recommendations of the Section 89 independent panel.
“Parliament must act swiftly, without fear, favour, or prejudice, and all members of the National Assembly must fulfil their constitutional duty ensure that the executive is held accountable, including the President.”
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