South Africa's Constitutional Court Orders Parliament to Proceed with Ramaphosa Impeachment Review
Primary region Africa
Tags Justice · Corruption
Regions Africa
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South Africa's Constitutional Court ruled that Parliament acted unconstitutionally by not proceeding with an impeachment committee on the Phala Phala (Farmgate) matter, ordering MPs to consider evidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa. The saga involves allegations regarding the theft of US dollars from Ramaphosa's farm. Impeachment requires a two-thirds majority (267 of 400 MPs), but the ANC holds only 159 seats, meaning it alone can block impeachment. Analysts say it is in the ANC's interest for Ramaphosa to remain as he is central to the governing coalition.
Strategic interpretation
The court's order forces Parliament's hand but the ANC's parliamentary position makes actual removal unlikely. The ruling is more significant as a constitutional precedent — affirming that Parliament cannot simply ignore impeachment proceedings — than as a near-term threat to Ramaphosa. The question of a secret ballot remains a key variable that could allow ANC MPs to vote against the party line.