Julius Malema has called for the resignation of Cyril Ramaphosa after the country’s Constitutional Court ruled that Parliament acted unconstitutionally in blocking impeachment proceedings against him in 2022.
The ruling, delivered in Johannesburg, followed a legal challenge brought by Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters and other opposition groups, potentially reopening the door for fresh impeachment proceedings.
At the centre of the case is the “Phala Phala” scandal, where about $580,000 in cash was stolen in 2020 from Ramaphosa’s rural farm in Limpopo Province. The money had allegedly been hidden in a sofa on the property.
An independent panel previously found that the president may have a case to answer, raising concerns about the origin of the funds and possible violations of South Africa’s strict foreign currency regulations.
Ramaphosa has consistently denied wrongdoing, maintaining that the money came from the sale of buffaloes and that he has fully cooperated with investigations.
Following the court ruling, his office said he respects the judgment and remains committed to the Constitution, the rule of law, and due process. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) also backed the court’s decision, saying it reflects the independence of South Africa’s democratic institutions.
Malema, speaking outside the court, said Ramaphosa cannot continue serving as president while facing possible impeachment proceedings, insisting the political process would inevitably affect his leadership.
“You cannot serve the two — one is going to suffer,” he said, urging the president to focus on the legal process instead.
The opposition leader also said he believes ANC lawmakers may eventually support impeachment if presented with sufficient evidence during parliamentary proceedings.
The case has been widely referred to as “Farmgate” in South African media and continues to dominate national political discourse.
The Democratic Alliance, the second-largest party in the governing coalition, has also called for Parliament’s impeachment committee to handle the matter fairly and in line with constitutional procedures.
Under the court’s ruling, Parliament is now expected to reconsider the independent panel’s findings, which could determine whether formal impeachment proceedings against the president are launched.
