By Marcus Moloko
President Cyril Ramaphosa answers crucial questions tonight from the Union Buildings following a landmark Constitutional Court ruling that has effectively revived the Phala Phala impeachment process.
On Friday, the Constitutional Court ruled in favour of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), finding that the National Assembly acted unlawfully and unconstitutionally in December 2022 when it voted to reject the Section 89 Independent Panel report.
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That panel, chaired by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, had found prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa may have committed serious violations of the Constitution and the law in relation to the theft of $580,000 in undeclared foreign currency from his Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo.
In tonight’s address, Ramaphosa is expected to respond to several critical issues:
The Constitutional Court has set aside the 2022 parliamentary vote and ordered that the Section 89 report be referred to an impeachment committee.
The President must clarify his willingness to participate in this formal probe.
The ruling struck down Rule 129I of the National Assembly’s rules, which had allowed the majority party to block investigations before they reached a committee.
Ramaphosa will likely address his commitment to constitutional oversight despite these findings against his party’s actions.
Opposition parties, including the EFF and MK Party, have called for his immediate resignation or a motion of no confidence.
South Africans watch closely for clarity on whether he intends to step down or fight the impeachment proceedings.
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While the court did not rule on his guilt or innocence, it validated the panel’s view that there is a case to answer.
The President may use tonight’s address to explain the origin and handling of the foreign currency to allay public concern.
The Presidency has previously stated that Ramaphosa respects the judgment and maintains that “no person is above the law.”
Tonight’s address will be the first time he speaks directly to the nation since the ruling, and it is expected to set the tone for how his administration will navigate the revived impeachment process.
