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Court rules parliament violated constitution in blocking impeachment
South Africa's Constitutional Court has determined that lawmakers breached the constitution in 2022 by halting efforts to impeach President Cyril Ramaphosa. The decision, delivered on Friday, follows a legal challenge led by opposition parties, including Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
Background: The Phala Phala scandal
The controversy stems from a 2020 burglary at Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm in Limpopo province, where intruders made off with $580,000 in cash hidden in a sofa. The president claimed the money came from the sale of a buffalo, but critics allege he failed to comply with foreign currency regulations, which require such funds to be declared to a bank within 30 days.
An independent panel later concluded Ramaphosa may have breached his oath of office, though parliament-then controlled by his African National Congress (ANC)-voted 214 to 148 against launching impeachment proceedings.
Opposition demands Ramaphosa's resignation
Outside the Johannesburg courthouse, Malema urged Ramaphosa to step down, arguing the president cannot effectively govern while facing impeachment. "You cannot serve two masters," he told reporters. "One will suffer."
The EFF, alongside the African Transformation Movement, had petitioned the Constitutional Court to overturn parliament's 2022 decision. Malema, who is appealing his own criminal conviction for illegal firearm possession, predicted ANC lawmakers would now back impeachment, citing "evidence before their eyes."
The EFF has given National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza 48 hours to outline next steps, according to News24.
Ramaphosa and ANC respond
Ramaphosa's office issued a statement reaffirming his respect for the judiciary and the rule of law. "The president maintains that no person is above the law and that allegations must be addressed through due process," it said. The ANC echoed this stance, emphasizing the need for independent institutions to function without interference.
Coalition partners weigh in
Geordin Hill-Lewis, leader of the Democratic Alliance-the ANC's largest coalition partner-called for the impeachment committee to proceed "properly, rationally, and constitutionally." The ANC lost its parliamentary majority in the 2024 elections, forcing it into a coalition government.
Legal proceedings ongoing
Three individuals are currently on trial for the Phala Phala theft. The case, dubbed "Farmgate" by local media, has dominated South African politics for years, with Ramaphosa consistently denying any wrongdoing.
