South Africa’s Constitutional Court on Friday set aside a 2022 parliamentary vote that blocked the initiation of impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa, reviving the possibility of his removal over a $4 million cash‑theft scandal at his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo.
The court, presided over by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, declared the National Assembly’s decision on 13 December 2022 “inconsistent with the Constitution, invalid, and set aside.” It ordered that the report of the independent panel – which had concluded that Ramaphosa “may have committed serious violations and misconduct” – be referred to a newly convened impeachment committee. The ruling follows a complaint lodged by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a left‑wing opposition party.
Ramaphosa faces allegations that he concealed a 2020 burglary in which large sums of foreign currency were stolen from furniture at his luxury farm. The independent panel’s findings suggested possible misconduct, but the ANC‑controlled parliament at the time declined to open impeachment proceedings, a decision now deemed unconstitutional.
The presidency responded that it “noted the judgement” and affirmed Ramaphosa’s respect for the court’s decision. A statement from the office emphasized that “no person is above the law” and that any allegations must be addressed through due process without fear or favour.
The EFF’s leader, Julius Malema, welcomed the judgment, stating that the Constitution had prevailed and warning that the ANC must decide whether to remain under a president “with this dark cloud hanging over him.” He added that Ramaphosa would face “very rough and thorough questions” if the impeachment process proceeds.
Political dynamics have shifted since 2022. The ANC, once commanding a parliamentary majority, now holds roughly 40 percent of seats after a decisive loss in the 2024 general election and operates in a fragile coalition with nine other parties. The Democratic Alliance (DA), the coalition’s second‑largest member, pledged “full and constructive participation” in the impeachment committee, stressing adherence to facts, evidence, and constitutional duty while rejecting any exemption from accountability.
The controversy originated in 2022 when the former head of South Africa’s intelligence service reported to police that Ramaphosa had hidden the theft of cash allegedly stashed beneath sofa cushions at his ranch. Prosecutors later dropped money‑laundering and corruption charges against the president in 2024. Ramaphosa has denied wrongdoing, claiming that only $580,000 – proceeds from the sale of 20 buffaloes to a Sudanese businessman – were stolen, and contesting the reported amount.
The court’s decision revives the impeachment process ahead of municipal elections scheduled for 4 November, intensifying scrutiny of the president and the ANC as they confront declining public support, ongoing corruption allegations, and challenges to governance. The forthcoming impeachment committee will determine whether formal charges will be brought, a development that could significantly impact South Africa’s political landscape.
