Julius Malema has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign after the Constitutional Court of South Africa ruled that Parliament acted unconstitutionally when it blocked impeachment proceedings against the president in 2022.
The judgment followed a legal challenge brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters and the African Transformation Movement, and could pave the way for fresh impeachment proceedings linked to the Phala Phala scandal.
The controversy stems from the 2020 theft of more than US$580,000 hidden inside furniture at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala Farm in Limpopo.
An independent Section 89 panel later found that the president may have a case to answer regarding possible violations of the Constitution and anti-corruption laws. Ramaphosa has consistently denied any wrongdoing, saying the money came from the sale of buffalo.
In 2022, Parliament voted against establishing an impeachment committee after the African National Congress used its majority to block the process.
Delivering Friday’s landmark judgment, Chief Justice Mandisa Maya ruled that Parliament’s decision was influenced by a material error of law and was therefore unconstitutional.
The court ordered that the independent panel’s report be referred to an impeachment committee in line with constitutional processes.
Speaking outside court in Johannesburg, Malema said Ramaphosa should step down and focus on the impeachment proceedings.
He argued that serving as president while preparing for a possible impeachment process would undermine both responsibilities.
Malema also expressed confidence that ANC members would ultimately support impeachment once all the evidence was presented before Parliament.
The EFF has reportedly written to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza requesting clarity within 48 hours on the steps Parliament intends to take following the ruling.
Meanwhile, the Presidency said Ramaphosa respects the Constitutional Court’s judgment and remains committed to the Constitution, judicial independence and the rule of law.
The presidency added that the president had fully cooperated with all investigations into the matter and maintained that no one is above the law.
The ANC also welcomed the judgment, saying it demonstrated the importance of allowing democratic institutions to function independently within South Africa’s constitutional framework.
Geordin Hill-Lewis of the Democratic Alliance said Parliament’s impeachment committee must now carry out its work fairly, rationally and in accordance with the Constitution.
Three people are currently on trial in connection with the alleged theft at Phala Phala Farm.