South Africa’s Constitutional Court announced on Thursday that it will hear a petition next month from two opposition parties seeking to reopen impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa. The case centres around a scandal involving over $500,000 in cash that was allegedly hidden inside a sofa at his Phala Phala farm and subsequently stolen.
President Ramaphosa initially avoided impeachment in 2022 when the African National Congress (ANC), his party, used its parliamentary majority to block the motion, despite an independent report questioning his conduct and recommending a full investigation.
Since then, the ANC has formed a broad coalition with nine other parties to govern the country, easing some of the criticism against Ramaphosa in relation to the scandal. However, the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Movement for the Transformation of Africa, both excluded from the coalition, have filed their arguments with the Constitutional Court. They argue that parliament has failed to fulfil its constitutional duty to hold the president accountable.
The Phala Phala scandal
The controversy erupted in June 2022, when it emerged that at least $580,000 had been stolen from Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm more than two years earlier, and that the theft had been kept secret. The cash had reportedly been hidden in a sofa on the farm.
Opposition parties have accused Ramaphosa of tax evasion, money laundering, and breaches of foreign exchange regulations. Ramaphosa has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating that the money came from legitimate animal sales at his ranch. However, he has not provided a clear explanation for why the cash was hidden in furniture.
Concerns were also raised regarding whether the theft had been appropriately reported to the police. Ramaphosa stated that he informed the head of his security detail, but critics accuse him of attempting to cover up the incident and the existence of the cash.
Legal and political developments
President Ramaphosa has been cleared of wrongdoing by both the South African Reserve Bank and the Public Protector, a government watchdog. However, some opposition parties have disputed these findings and continue to push for further investigations.
Despite these controversies, Ramaphosa, now 71, was re-elected for a second term in June. His re-election, however, was only possible with the support of some opposition MPs, as the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994. This shift has left Ramaphosa relying on broader political support, making his leadership more vulnerable to challenges from both within and outside of his coalition.
The upcoming Constitutional Court hearing presents a significant test for Ramaphosa. Should the court decide in favour of the opposition petition, it could pave the way for renewed impeachment proceedings, adding further uncertainty to South Africa’s political landscape. The case highlights ongoing tensions over accountability and transparency in government, as the country grapples with the legacy of corruption and economic challenges.
Credit: Africabriefing
