Breaking news
South Africa’s Constitutional Court will deliver its long-awaited judgment in the Phala Phala case this Friday, 8 May 2026, at 10 am, nearly 18 months after hearing arguments.
The case, brought by the EFF with support from the ATM, challenges whether the National Assembly acted constitutionally when it voted in December 2022 to reject an independent panel’s findings and halt impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The scandal dates back to a February 2020 burglary at Ramaphosa’s Limpopo farm, where thieves stole roughly $580,000 in undeclared foreign currency.
Critics allege Ramaphosa’s security detail bypassed official police channels, using state resources for a private investigation. An independent panel led by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo found prima facie evidence of serious misconduct and a possible constitutional violation.
Despite this, Parliament voted 214-148 against proceeding, with the ANC majority defending the decision. The EFF and ATM argue the vote was irrational and failed Parliament’s duty to hold the executive accountable.
An adverse finding could force a revival of impeachment proceedings.