South Africa Court Revives Presidential Impeachment

The update

South Africa’s Constitutional Court has ruled that Parliament’s decision to block impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2022 was unconstitutional. The court ordered that Parliament must convene a committee to consider the independent panel’s recommendation that Ramaphosa face impeachment over a 2020 incident where large sums of foreign currency were stolen from his farmhouse.

Why it matters

This decision creates a significant constitutional crisis in South Africa, potentially destabilizing the government just two years after Ramaphosa’s party lost its parliamentary majority. The case, dubbed ‘Farmgate,’ centers on whether the president properly accounted for the source of money hidden in a sofa at his farm. The revival of impeachment proceedings could weaken Ramaphosa’s position during a period of political transition for the country.

What to watch

Opposition leader Julius Malema has called on Ramaphosa to resign, saying he cannot serve as president while preparing for impeachment. The Economic Freedom Fighters party, which brought the case alongside the African Transformation Movement, claims evidence will be clear once the impeachment committee reviews the case. Ramaphosa maintains the money came from buffalo sales at his farm and denies wrongdoing.

Sources

• Al Jazeera — details about the court ruling and impeachment process
• New York Times — confirmation of parliamentary committee requirement
• BBC — opposition response and political context