Ramaphosa to address South Africans as impeachment process looms
President Cyril Ramaphosa will address South Africans on Monday evening, after the Constitutional Court revived the Phala Phala process.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to address South Africa at 20:00 on Monday evening following a ruling by the Constitutional Court in a case brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters.
The EFF challenged the National Assembly’s decision on Section 89 proceedings against the president.
Court overturns Parliament’s earlier decision
On Friday, the Constitutional Court overturned Parliament’s 2022 vote that blocked impeachment proceedings against Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal.
Ramaphosa faced allegations that he 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.
Reports alleged that Ramaphosa hid the cash inside furniture at the property.
An independent panel later found that Ramaphosa “may have committed” serious violations and misconduct.
However, Parliament, where the African National Congress held a majority at the time, voted against starting impeachment proceedings in December 2022.
Delivering Friday’s ruling, Chief Justice Mandisa Maya said the National Assembly’s vote was unconstitutional and invalid.
“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,” Maya said.
The court also ordered Parliament to refer the independent panel’s report to an impeachment committee.
Presidency says Ramaphosa respects ruling
The Constitutional Court ruling followed a complaint lodged by the EFF.
In response, the Presidency said it had noted the judgment and that Ramaphosa respected the court’s decision.
Address to take place at Union Buildings
Ramaphosa will deliver the address from the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation will provide a live feed to media outlets, while the Presidency will stream the address on its digital platforms, the statement read.
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