Manny Ita –
Pressure is mounting on Cyril Ramaphosa after South Africa’s Constitutional Court ruled that parliament acted unlawfully when it blocked efforts to impeach him in 2022 over the controversial “Farmgate” cash scandal.
The judgement followed a legal challenge brought by Julius Malema and his Economic Freedom Fighters alongside the African Transformation Movement. The ruling opens the door for renewed impeachment proceedings against the president.
Reacting to the decision, Malema demanded Ramaphosa’s resignation, arguing that the president cannot effectively govern the country while also defending himself against possible impeachment proceedings.
“You cannot serve the two,” Malema told reporters outside the court in Johannesburg, insisting Ramaphosa should step aside and focus on clearing his name.
The controversy dates back to 2020 after burglars allegedly stole about $580,000 in cash hidden inside furniture at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo province. Questions later emerged over the source of the money and whether the president had properly declared the foreign currency in line with South African regulations.
Ramaphosa has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, maintaining that the money came from the sale of buffaloes. Three suspects are currently facing trial over the theft.
An independent parliamentary panel in 2022 concluded there was evidence suggesting Ramaphosa may have violated his oath of office. However, lawmakers voted against launching impeachment proceedings at the time, with the ruling African National Congress using its parliamentary majority to block the move.
The political landscape has since changed following the 2024 elections, which forced the ANC into a coalition government after losing its outright majority.
Following the court ruling, Ramaphosa’s office said the president respects the judgement and remains committed to the constitution, judicial independence, and the rule of law. The presidency also stressed that he had cooperated fully with all investigations into the matter.
The ANC echoed similar sentiments, saying the decision demonstrates the importance of independent democratic institutions in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Geordin Hill-Lewis of the Democratic Alliance said parliament’s impeachment committee must now handle the issue fairly, rationally, and in accordance with the constitution.
The EFF has reportedly written to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza demanding clarity within 48 hours on the next steps parliament intends to take following the court’s judgement.
The renewed political storm threatens to deepen tensions within South Africa’s fragile coalition government as opposition parties intensify pressure on Ramaphosa ahead of possible impeachment proceedings.
