JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa’s Constitutional Court has overturned a parliamentary decision that shielded President Cyril Ramaphosa from investigation in a cash controversy, opening the door for potential impeachment proceedings against the nation’s leader.
In 2022, Ramaphosa avoided impeachment when members of his African National Congress party voted down a damaging report that called for a complete investigation into the theft of roughly $580,000 discovered hidden inside a sofa at his Phala Phala wildlife ranch.
The high court’s decision means the investigative report must now go before an impeachment committee for thorough review, which could ultimately vote to remove Ramaphosa from office.
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya explained the next steps: “In the event that the panel (of inquiry) concludes that sufficient evidence exists, the matter must be referred to the impeachment committee.”
Opposition leader Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters has demanded Ramaphosa step down immediately and face impeachment proceedings.
Malema’s party joined other opposition groups in challenging the ANC lawmakers’ decision in court, arguing they used their legislative control to protect Ramaphosa from facing consequences.
Speaking to supporters following the court decision, Malema declared: “Ramaphosa is going to jail. With the amount of shenanigans and evidence that will come out of that impeachment process, there is no way that Ramaphosa is not going to jail.”
The president has consistently rejected allegations of misconduct, stating the money represented payment from buffalo transactions at his ranch.
While Ramaphosa told investigators he notified his security chief about the theft, a parliamentary investigation dismissed his explanation and called for a complete impeachment committee review.
This ongoing controversy has created significant political challenges for Ramaphosa, with rival parties demanding his resignation.
He weathered the initial challenge when his party controlled parliament, but the ANC lost its majority in 2024 elections for the first time since taking power in 1994. Ramaphosa is now in his final presidential term.
Additional accusations against him include tax violations, money laundering, and currency regulation breaches, with critics questioning why legitimate business funds would be concealed in furniture.
Presidential spokesman Vincent Magwenya stated Friday that Ramaphosa has consistently cooperated with all investigations and will continue doing so.
“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,” Magwenya said.
Earlier investigations by the central bank and a government oversight agency found no evidence of wrongdoing by Ramaphosa.
