Breaking news
South Africa’s National Assembly will establish an impeachment committee to investigate President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal, following a Constitutional Court judgment declaring Parliament’s earlier handling unlawful.
In a unanimous ruling on 8 May 2026, the court found Parliament acted irrationally when it voted 214–148 in December 2022 to reject an independent panel’s report. The report, chaired by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, found prima facie evidence of serious misconduct by the President.
The scandal dates back to 9 February 2020, when thieves stole about $580,000 in foreign currency from Ramaphosa’s private game farm, sparking allegations of a cover-up.
The EFF and ATM challenged Parliament’s 2022 decision. Chief Justice Mandisa Maya emphasised that the National Assembly cannot exercise impeachment powers in a politically driven manner.
Parliament respects the ruling. The Presidency said Ramaphosa reaffirms his commitment to the Constitution.
The impeachment committee will now determine whether to recommend the President’s removal.