South Africa’s Ramaphosa faces fresh impeachment threat after court ruling

Opposition leader Julius Malema has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign after the Constitutional Court ruled that parliament violated the constitution by blocking impeachment proceedings in 2022.

The judgment follows a legal challenge by Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the African Transformation Movement. It could pave the way for a renewed attempt to impeach the president over an alleged cash theft scandal dubbed “Farmgate” by local media.

What happened?

In 2020, burglars stole $580,000 (£430,000) hidden in a sofa from Ramaphosa’s rural farm, Phala Phala, in Limpopo province. Two years later, an independent panel found evidence that the president may have violated his oath of office, largely over failing to properly account for the foreign currency.

South African law requires foreign currency to be deposited with an authorised dealer—such as a bank—within 30 days. Ramaphosa has said the cash came from the sale of a buffalo and has denied any wrongdoing.

Despite the panel’s findings, parliament voted 214 to 148 against setting up an impeachment committee in 2022. At the time, Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) held a parliamentary majority. The ANC now governs as part of a coalition following the 2024 general election.

Reaction to the ruling

Speaking outside the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg, Malema said Ramaphosa should resign immediately.

“You cannot serve the two—one is going to suffer,” Malema said, referring to the president balancing his official duties with preparing for an impeachment process.

The EFF has written to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza requesting “a clear indication, within the next 48 hours, of specific steps” she intends to take, according to South Africa’s News24 website.

Geordin Hill-Lewis, leader of the Democratic Alliance—the second-largest party in the governing coalition—said parliament’s impeachment committee “must now do its work properly, rationally, fairly and constitutionally.”

Ramaphosa’s response

The president’s office said he “reaffirms his commitment to the Constitution, the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.”

The statement added that Ramaphosa “maintains that no person is above the law and that any allegations should be subjected to due process without fear, favour or prejudice.”

The ANC said the judgment demonstrated “the importance of allowing institutions to function independently” within South Africa’s constitutional democracy.

What happens next?

It remains unclear whether parliament will initiate fresh impeachment proceedings. Three people are currently on trial over the alleged theft of the cash from the president’s farm.

Malema noted that Ramaphosa now faces serious legal jeopardy, adding: “The evidence will be before their eyes.”