South Africa’s Constitutional Court has revived an impeachment process linked to President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala farm cash found in 2020. Parliament is moving to form a multi-party impeachment committee. This page breaks down why the inquiry is happening now, the likely steps, and what the findings could mean for Ramaphosa and the ANC. Read on for quick, clear answers to the questions people are asking right now.
The Constitutional Court ruled that Parliament’s previous move to block an inquiry was unconstitutional and ordered that the independent report be referred to an impeachment committee. As a result, Parliament is setting up a multi-party committee to investigate the 2020 Phala Phala incident and whether Ramaphosa committed misconduct.
An impeachment inquiry in SA is a formal, parliamentary process where MPs investigate alleged misconduct by the president. It follows constitutional rules, includes hearings, evidence gathering, and the opportunity for Ramaphosa to respond. The outcome can be recommendations to Parliament and, in extreme cases, potential removal from office.
Steps typically include: forming a multiparty impeachment committee, calling witnesses and presenting evidence, allowing the president to respond, drafting findings, and presenting a report to Parliament for a vote. The process is guided by the Constitution and parliamentary rules and can be protracted depending on evidence and political dynamics.
If misconduct is found, Parliament could decide on action ranging from reprimand to removal. Even without removal, findings can shift party dynamics, influence internal ANC debates, and impact Ramaphosa’s influence ahead of elections. Ramaphosa has said he will not resign and will challenge the panel’s report.
The court overturned Parliament’s 2022 decision to block the inquiry, saying it was unconstitutional. This ruling effectively restarts the impeachment pathway, prompting Parliament to establish the impeachment committee and proceed with investigations into the 2020 cash incident.
Timelines for impeachment can vary widely. The ruling sets the process in motion, but the committee will determine its own schedule. Expect updates as hearings occur and evidence is examined; final findings may come weeks or months after the inquiry begins, depending on complexity and political negotiations.
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has ordered Parliament to set up an impeachment committee to investigate the farm foreign money theft. EFF leader Julius Malema told party supporters outside court on Friday that the ANC voted to protect corruption and crimina