South Africa’s Constitutional Court has overturned a parliamentary decision that blocked impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa over the controversial Phala Phala cash-heist scandal.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, Chief Justice Mandisa Maya declared that the vote taken by the National Assembly in December 2022 to halt impeachment proceedings was unconstitutional and invalid.
“It is declared that the vote of the National Assembly taken on 13 December 2022 is inconsistent with the Constitution, invalid, and it is set aside,” Maya ruled.
The court further directed that the report of the independent panel investigating the scandal be referred to an impeachment committee for further action.
The case stems from allegations that Ramaphosa failed to properly report a 2020 burglary at his luxury Phala Phala farm in Limpopo Province, where thieves reportedly stole millions of dollars in foreign currency allegedly concealed in furniture.
An independent panel had earlier concluded that the president “may have committed” serious misconduct and constitutional violations in relation to the incident.
Despite the findings, South Africa’s parliament—then dominated by Ramaphosa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC)—voted in 2022 against initiating impeachment proceedings.
The latest court action followed a legal challenge brought by the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which argued that parliament failed in its constitutional responsibilities.
The ruling is expected to intensify political pressure on Ramaphosa and the ANC ahead of South Africa’s municipal elections scheduled for November 4.
The ANC has in recent years faced declining public support amid criticism over corruption, governance failures, and unmet policy promises.
Reacting to the judgment, the presidency said Ramaphosa respected the court’s decision and remained committed to the rule of law.
“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 presidency said in a statement.
