On Monday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to address the nation at 20:00, following a significant Constitutional Court ruling in a case initiated by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
The EFF had challenged the National Assembly’s decision regarding Section 89 proceedings against the President, which were related to the Phala Phala scandal.
Constitutional Court Ruling On Phala Phala Scandal
Last Friday, the Constitutional Court overturned Parliament’s 2022 vote, which had blocked impeachment proceedings against Ramaphosa. The impeachment proceedings were related to allegations that he had failed to report the 2020 theft of about $4 million in foreign currency stolen during a break-in at his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo.
It was reported that Ramaphosa had hidden the cash inside furniture at the property. An independent panel later found that Ramaphosa may have committed serious violations and misconduct.
Presidency’s Response To The Ruling
Parliament, where the African National Congress held a majority at the time, had voted against starting impeachment proceedings in December 2022. However, Chief Justice Mandisa Maya said the National Assembly’s vote was unconstitutional and invalid, stating, “It is declared that the vote of the National Assembly taken on 13 December 2022… is inconsistent with the Constitution, invalid, and it is set aside.”
The court also ordered Parliament to refer the independent panel’s report to an impeachment committee. The Presidency noted the judgment and said Ramaphosa respects the court’s decision.
Address By President Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa will deliver his address from the Union Buildings in Pretoria. This address comes after the Constitutional Court ruling followed a complaint lodged by the EFF.
