South Africa: Constitutional court clears path for Ramaphosa impeachment

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing renewed pressure to step down after a landmark Constitutional Court ruling on May 8, 2026.

The court found that Parliament violated the constitution in 2022 by blocking a move to impeach the president over the “Phala Phala” or “Farmgate” scandal.

This judgment effectively clears the way for fresh impeachment proceedings, prompting immediate calls for resignation from prominent opposition leaders like Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

The scandal centres on the theft of approximately $580,000 in cash that was hidden inside a sofa at Ramaphosa’s private ranch in 2020.

While the president claimed the money was from the sale of buffalo, an independent panel of legal experts concluded in 2022 that he may have a case to answer regarding potential violations of his oath of office and foreign currency laws.

Despite this, the African National Congress (ANC)—which held a majority at the time—successfully voted to block an official impeachment inquiry, a move the high court has now declared unconstitutional.

Ramaphosa’s office has stated that he respects the court’s decision and remains committed to the rule of law, though he has consistently denied any personal wrongdoing.

The political landscape has shifted significantly since the 2022 vote; following the 2024 general election, the ANC no longer holds a parliamentary majority and is governing as part of a coalition.

This shift makes the president more vulnerable to the reopened impeachment process, as opposition parties and coalition partners alike demand transparency and accountability in line with the court’s findings.