Members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are expected to stage a picket outside the Constitutional Court of South Africa on Friday morning ahead of judgment in the Phala Phala matter involving President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The party approached the apex court in a bid to overturn Parliament’s decision to block an impeachment inquiry into Ramaphosa following the theft of more than $500 000 from his Phala Phala Farm in February 2020.
Significant public attention
The matter is expected to draw significant public and political attention, with the judgment set to clarify Parliament’s obligations when handling impeachment-related processes involving the president.
EFF spokesperson Thembi Msane said the party remained committed to ensuring accountability over the handling of foreign currency allegedly kept at the farm.
“From the beginning, the EFF has been the lone and consistent voice demanding accountability for the criminality, secrecy, and abuse of power surrounding the Phala Phala scandal,” Msane said.
“While many sought to protect Cyril Ramaphosa and preserve the image of the ANC, the EFF pursued every constitutional avenue available to ensure that no President is placed above the law.”
She added that the party hopes the Constitutional Court will order that the Section 89 panel report be returned to Parliament for lawful consideration and accountability processes.
Rejected findings
The case follows a challenge brought by the EFF and the African Transformation Movement after the National Assembly of South Africa voted in December 2022 against proceeding with an impeachment inquiry.
At the time, the African National Congress used its parliamentary majority to reject findings by an independent panel which concluded that Ramaphosa may have violated sections of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.
Judgment in the matter will be delivered on Friday, 8 May around 10:00.
