South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing renewed political pressure after the country’s Constitutional Court ruled that parliament acted unlawfully when it blocked impeachment proceedings against him in 2022 over the controversial “Farmgate” scandal.
Opposition leader Julius Malema immediately called on Ramaphosa to step down, arguing that the president should focus on defending himself instead of remaining in office while impeachment threats loom.
The ruling followed a legal challenge brought by Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters, alongside other opposition groups, over parliament’s handling of allegations linked to a large sum of foreign currency stolen from Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in 2020.
At the centre of the controversy was about $580,000 in cash reportedly hidden inside a sofa at the president’s rural property in Limpopo province. Questions were later raised about the source of the money and whether it had been properly declared under South Africa’s foreign currency regulations.
An independent panel had earlier concluded that Ramaphosa might have a case to answer, but lawmakers voted against opening impeachment proceedings in 2022 while the ruling African National Congress still held a parliamentary majority.
The Constitutional Court has now ruled that parliament failed to properly carry out its constitutional responsibilities in handling the matter, potentially reopening the door to fresh impeachment moves.
Reacting to the judgement, Ramaphosa’s office said the president respects the court’s decision and remains committed to the rule of law and judicial independence.
The presidency also insisted that Ramaphosa had cooperated fully with all investigations and maintained that no one is above the law.
Speaking outside court in Johannesburg, Malema said the ruling was a major blow to the president and argued that continuing in office while facing possible impeachment would undermine governance.
“You cannot serve the two,” he told reporters, insisting Ramaphosa should resign and concentrate on the legal and political battle ahead.
Malema also expressed confidence that members of the ANC could eventually support impeachment once all the evidence is fully examined.
The Democratic Alliance, the second-largest party in South Africa’s governing coalition, urged parliament to now handle the process fairly and in line with the constitution.
The controversy, widely referred to as the “Farmgate” scandal, has continued to cast a shadow over Ramaphosa’s presidency since details of the theft first emerged.
Ramaphosa has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, saying the money came from the sale of buffaloes at his farm.
Meanwhile, three suspects are currently standing trial over the alleged theft
