President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to take the Section 89 Panel report on the Phala Phala issue on review must not be used to delay the work of Parliament, DA Leader, Geordian Hill- Lewis said earlier tonight.

The DA stated that it is the President’s legal right to approach the High Court. However, the party called on the President to bring any review application with due haste and on an expedited basis, so that the legal position is clarified quickly and the matter not delayed unnecessarily.

Furthermore the DA said parliament must also now take urgent legal advice on the implications of the President’s incoming review, including whether it affects the establishment and work of the impeachment committee, or whether the committee may proceed while the review is underway.

The party concluded saying it respects due process, the courts and the rule of law.

The President tonight addressed the nation following the judgment of the Constitutional Court in the case brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters challenging the National Assembly’s decision with respect to Section 89 proceedings against the President.

The President in his address said there has been much concern and uncertainty in the country over the last few days following the delivery of the Constitutional Court Judgment.

Ramaphosa said when he assumed the office of President of the Republic of South Africa, he took the responsiblity with the greatest care, mindful of the needs, aspirations and expectations of the people of this land. “I pledged that I would serve you, the people of South Africa.

The President said while there have been calls in some circles that he should resign, nothing in the Constitutional Court judgment compels him to resign his office, and made it clear that he will not resign.

He said he intend to continue serving the people of South Africa and to advance their interests.