Julius Malema, leader of the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has called for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s immediate resignation and urged that impeachment proceedings commence. The EFF, alongside other opposition parties, took the matter to the Constitutional Court, alleging that African National Congress (ANC) MPs used their parliamentary majority to protect Ramaphosa from accountability over a cash‑theft scandal.
The controversy centres on roughly R5 million reportedly stolen from Ramaphosa’s residence in September 2022. The president maintains the money was proceeds from the sale of buffaloes on his farm and that he reported the theft to his security chief. However, a parliamentary inquiry dismissed his explanation and recommended a full investigation by an impeachment committee.
Ramaphosa, who is serving his final term, has denied any misconduct. His spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said on Friday that the president has consistently cooperated with all investigations and will continue to do so. “President Ramaphova maintains that no person is above the law and that any allegations should be subjected to due process without fear, favour or prejudice,” Magwenya added.
The cash‑theft scandal has persisted as a political liability for Ramaphosa. In addition to the theft allegations, he faces accusations of tax evasion, money‑laundering and breaches of currency regulations, including questions about why funds from a legitimate business would be hidden in a couch. Earlier probes by the South African Reserve Bank and a public watchdog cleared him of wrongdoing, but critics argue that parliamentary mechanisms have been less forthcoming.
The opposition’s legal challenge comes after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority in the 2024 elections for the first time since it assumed power in 1994. Despite that loss, Ramaphosa survived a recent motion of no confidence, drawing support from remaining ANC members. The EFF’s demand for impeachment underscores growing pressure on the president as his term draws to a close.
The next steps involve the parliamentary impeachment committee reviewing the findings of the inquiry and determining whether formal charges will be laid. The outcome will have significant implications for South Africa’s political stability and the ANC’s standing ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.
