Opposition Leader Calls for Ramaphosa's Resignation
Julius Malema, a prominent opposition leader in South Africa, has demanded the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa following a Constitutional Court ruling. The court found that parliament had breached the constitution by obstructing attempts to impeach the president in 2022.
The ruling, issued after a legal challenge by opposition parties including Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), may pave the way for renewed impeachment efforts.
Background of the Impeachment Proceedings
In 2022, a panel of legal experts indicated that Ramaphosa might have a case to answer after burglars stole over $500,000 (£370,000) in cash concealed within a sofa at his rural residence.
This theft prompted allegations that the president had failed to account for the origin of the cash. Ramaphosa has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Despite these allegations, impeachment proceedings were halted four years ago by a parliamentary vote. At that time, Ramaphosa's African National Congress (ANC) held a majority in parliament. However, following the 2024 general election, the ANC now governs as part of a coalition.
ANC Response to the Court Judgment
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu stated that the party respects and welcomes the judgment delivered on Friday.
Speaking to the South African online news platform News24, Bhengu said the ANC's national executive and working committees would convene to review the judgment and formulate a response.
Malema's Statement Outside Court
Addressing reporters outside the court, Malema asserted that Ramaphosa should resign and focus on the impeachment process, emphasizing its serious implications for the president personally.
"You cannot serve the two - one is going to suffer,"
he explained, referring to the challenge of simultaneously fulfilling presidential duties and preparing for impeachment.
Legal Challenge and Political Reactions
The EFF, alongside the African Transformation Movement, brought the case to South Africa's highest court in 2024.
Malema expressed confidence that members of Ramaphosa's ANC would support impeachment once the evidence is presented.
"The evidence will be before their eyes,"
he said.
Geordin Hill-Lewis, leader of the Democratic Alliance, the second-largest party in the governing coalition, emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law.
"Politicians must uphold the rule of law,"
he stated, adding that parliament's impeachment committee must now perform its duties properly, rationally, fairly, and constitutionally.
Details of the "Farmgate" Scandal
The controversy, referred to as "Farmgate" by local media, began in 2020 when $580,000 was reportedly stolen from Phala Phala, Ramaphosa's farm located in the northern Limpopo province.
Two years later, an independent panel found evidence suggesting the president may have breached his oath of office. However, during a parliamentary debate focused on the panel's findings, the vote to establish an impeachment committee was defeated 214 to 148.
South African law imposes strict regulations on holding foreign currency, requiring it to be deposited with an authorized dealer, such as a bank, within 30 days. Ramaphosa has stated that the cash originated from the sale of a buffalo.
Currently, three individuals are on trial for the alleged theft.
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