South Africa’s National Assembly is set to revive impeachment-related proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa after the Constitutional Court ruled that Parliament acted unlawfully in its earlier handling of the controversial Phala Phala matter.
The court found that lawmakers violated the Constitution when they rejected the findings of an independent panel that had investigated allegations linked to the Cyril Ramaphosa’s ”Phala Phala game” farm scandal. The ruling effectively reopens the possibility of impeachment proceedings under Section 89 of the Constitution.
According to a statement issued by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, Parliament will now move to restart the Section 89 process in line with the court’s decision.
Didiza said she would determine “the programme, timelines and institutional support necessary” to ensure the impeachment committee carries out its work “effectively, fairly and within the framework of the Constitution and National Assembly rules.”
The Phala Phala controversy stems from the alleged theft of approximately $580,000 from Ramaphosa’s private game farm in Limpopo Province in 2020. The incident later sparked public scrutiny over whether the funds had been properly declared and reported to authorities.
An independent panel chaired by former Constitutional Court judge Sandile Ngcobo concluded that there was prima facie evidence suggesting possible constitutional and legal violations by the president. Following the court ruling, Cyril Ramaphosa said he accepted and respected the judgment, reaffirming what he described as his commitment to “the Constitution, the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.”
In a national address delivered Monday night, the South African leader firmly denied any wrongdoing.
“Since a criminal complaint was laid against me in June 2022, I have consistently maintained that I have not stolen public money, committed any crime, nor violated my oath of office,” Ramaphosa said.
He further stated that he had cooperated with all relevant authorities since the matter emerged and would continue doing so throughout the investigations and inquiries.
Ramaphosa also criticized the findings of the independent panel, saying he disagreed with both its reasoning and conclusions.
According to the president, the report relied on hearsay and “no evidence, let alone sufficient evidence,” had been produced to support allegations that he violated the Constitution or committed serious misconduct.
Despite renewed political pressure following the Constitutional Court ruling, Ramaphosa insisted that he would not resign from office.
“I fully intend to continue serving the people of South Africa and to advance their interests,” he said.
