South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says he respects the Constitutional Court’s judgment in the case brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) over Parliament’s handling of Section 89 impeachment proceedings against him.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya on Friday confirmed that the Presidency had noted the apex court’s ruling on the EFF’s challenge to the National Assembly’s decision not to proceed with an impeachment inquiry linked to the Phala Phala farm scandal.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa respects the Constitutional Court’s judgment and reaffirms his commitment to the Constitution, the independence of the Judiciary and the rule of law,” said Magwenya.
The matter stems from the 2022 theft of foreign currency from Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo.
In November 2022, an independent panel appointed by Parliament, chaired by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, found that Ramaphosa may have a case to answer over potential breaches of the Constitution and the anti-corruption law.
The panel’s findings triggered Section 89 of the Constitution, which allows Parliament to remove a president on grounds of a serious violation of the Constitution or law, serious misconduct, or inability to perform the functions of office.
In December 2022, the National Assembly voted against adopting the panel report and proceeding with an impeachment inquiry. The ANC used its majority to defeat the motion, with 214 MPs voting against and 148 in favour.
The EFF then approached the Constitutional Court, arguing that the National Assembly failed to fulfil its constitutional obligation to hold the President accountable. The party asked the court to set aside Parliament’s decision and direct it to reconsider the matter.
The Constitutional Court handed down judgment on Friday, 8 May 2026. The EFF had argued that Parliament’s vote was irrational and did not meet the standard of accountability required by the Constitution.
In his response, Ramaphosa said he had been “consistent in providing his full assistance to the various enquiries into this matter.”
“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.
He called on all South Africans to respect the Constitutional Court judgment and all judicial institutions.
The President has previously been cleared by the Public Protector and the South African Reserve Bank over aspects of the Phala Phala matter. The SARB found in 2023 that there was no exchange control violation related to the cash kept at the farm. Criminal investigations by the Hawks are ongoing.
The EFF has been vocal in calling for Ramaphosa to step aside over Phala Phala, staging protests in Parliament and in the courts since 2022.
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