South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing calls to resign from outspoken opposition leader Julius Malema after the country’s Constitutional Court ruled that parliament had violated the constitution when it blocked moves to impeach him in 2022.
According to a report by BBC, Ramaphosa’s office said it respected the ruling, which followed a legal challenge brought by Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
In 2022, an independent panel concluded that Ramaphosa may have a case to answer after burglars allegedly stole $580,000 in cash hidden inside a sofa at his rural residence.
The incident sparked allegations that the president had failed to properly account for the source of the money. Ramaphosa denied any wrongdoing.
The controversy, widely dubbed “Farmgate” by local media, began in 2020 after the cash was allegedly stolen from Phala Phala, Ramaphosa’s game farm in South Africa’s northern Limpopo province.
Two years later, an independent parliamentary panel found evidence suggesting that the president may have violated his oath of office. However, during a heated parliamentary debate on the report’s findings, lawmakers voted 214 to 148 against establishing an impeachment committee.
South Africa’s financial regulations require foreign currency holdings to be deposited with an authorised dealer, such as a bank, within 30 days. Ramaphosa maintained that the money came from the sale of buffaloes at his farm.
Three individuals are currently on trial in connection with the alleged theft.
At the time, Ramaphosa’s party, the African National Congress (ANC), held a parliamentary majority. However, following the 2024 general election, the ANC has been governing through a coalition arrangement.
Following the latest court judgment, Ramaphosa’s office said the president “reaffirms his commitment to the Constitution, the independence of the judiciary, and the rule of law.”
The statement added that the president had been “consistent in providing his full assistance” to all investigations into the matter.
“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,” the statement said.
The ANC also issued a similar statement, saying the judgment demonstrated “the importance of allowing institutions to function independently” within South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
