South Africa’s Constitutional Court Clears Path for Ramaphosa Impeachment Inquiry
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The Constitutional Court of South Africa has overturned a parliamentary decision dismissing a report implicating President Cyril Ramaphosa in a significant cash scandal. This development could lead to impeachment proceedings against the president.
In 2022, a report suggesting an in-depth investigation into the discovery of $580,000 hidden in a couch at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm was rejected by members of his African National Congress (ANC) party. The court’s recent ruling mandates that this report be presented to an impeachment committee for further examination.
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya stated, “In the event that the panel (of inquiry) concludes that sufficient evidence exists, the matter must be referred to the impeachment committee.”
Julius Malema, leader of the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has urged for Ramaphosa’s immediate resignation, emphasizing the need to initiate impeachment proceedings. The EFF, alongside other opposition parties, challenged the ANC’s decision in court, accusing them of protecting Ramaphosa from accountability.
After the court’s ruling, Malema addressed his supporters, declaring, “Ramaphosa is going to jail. With the amount of shenanigans and evidence that will come out of that impeachment process, there is no way that Ramaphosa is not going to jail.”
President Ramaphosa, however, has denied any misconduct, claiming the cash was from the sale of buffaloes on his farm. Although he reported the theft to his security head, a parliamentary inquiry dismissed his explanation, urging a full investigation by an impeachment committee.
The controversy surrounding the incident has been a persistent challenge for Ramaphosa, with opposition forces demanding his resignation. The ANC maintained a parliamentary majority during the motion, but this changed in the 2024 elections, marking a significant shift in power since 1994.
Allegations against Ramaphosa also include tax evasion, money laundering, and violations of currency regulations, particularly concerning why legitimate business funds were concealed in a couch.
Vincent Magwenya, a spokesperson for Ramaphosa, stated that the president has been cooperative with the investigations and will continue to do so. “President Ramaphosa maintains that no person is above the law and that any allegations should be subjected to due process without fear, favour or prejudice,” Magwenya affirmed.
Previously, probes conducted by the reserve bank and a public watchdog concluded with Ramaphosa being cleared of any wrongdoing.
