South Africa’s Constitutional Court on Friday annulled the National Assembly’s 2022 decision not to open impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa, ruling the vote “inconsistent with the Constitution” and ordering the independent panel’s findings to be referred to an impeachment committee.
The court’s decision follows allegations that Ramaphosa concealed a 2020 burglary at his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo Province, in which large amounts of foreign currency were allegedly stolen from furniture. An independent panel later concluded that the president “may have committed” serious violations and misconduct. In 2022, the National Assembly, then dominated by the African National Congress (ANC), declined to initiate impeachment, a move the court found invalid.
The ruling was prompted by a complaint from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a left‑wing opposition party. Chief Justice Mandisa Maya pronounced that the 13 December 2022 vote was void and directed that the panel’s report be examined by a newly formed impeachment committee.
The decision comes as the ANC faces declining public support ahead of municipal elections scheduled for 4 November. Since the 2024 general election the party holds roughly 40 % of parliamentary seats and must rely on a coalition of nine smaller parties. The Democratic Alliance (DA), the coalition’s second‑largest partner, said it will “participate fully and constructively” in the impeachment process, emphasizing adherence to facts and constitutional duty.
EFF leader Julius Malema welcomed the judgment, stating that the Constitution had prevailed and warning the ANC to decide whether it wants a president “with this dark cloud hanging over him.” He added that Ramaphosa would face “very rough and thorough questions” if impeachment were pursued.
Ramaphosa has consistently denied wrongdoing. He maintains that the only loss amounted to $580,000 from the sale of twenty buffaloes to a Sudanese buyer, and he disputes the amount of cash allegedly hidden under sofa cushions. In 2024 the National Prosecuting Authority dropped money‑laundering and corruption charges related to the case.
The Constitutional Court’s order revives the possibility of formal impeachment proceedings. The upcoming impeachment committee will examine the independent panel’s report and determine whether sufficient grounds exist to bring charges against the president. The outcome will test the ANC’s cohesion within its coalition and could shape the political landscape ahead of the November local elections.
