Illustration of the Constitutional Court ordering an impeachment inquiry into President Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal.
Illustration of the Constitutional Court ordering an impeachment inquiry into President Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal.
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Constitutional court orders impeachment inquiry into ramaphosa

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South Africa's Constitutional Court ruled today that parliament must establish an impeachment committee to examine allegations against President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala farm theft.

The Constitutional Court ruled on 8 May 2026 in favour of the Economic Freedom Fighters and African Transformation Movement. It found that parliament acted unconstitutionally in December 2022 by refusing to adopt a Section 89 panel report that recommended an impeachment inquiry into the president.

The judgment requires the report to be sent to a new committee for consideration. The EFF secured costs in the case, described as a clear victory by party leader Julius Malema.

Democratic Alliance leader Geordin Hill-Lewis stated that parliament must respect the ruling and hold all officials to the highest standards of accountability. The ANC confirmed it will discuss the decision at its national executive committee meeting.

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Initial reactions on X show strong support from opposition parties like EFF for the ruling, with users noting Ramaphosa faces impeachment scrutiny over Phala Phala. Some regular users and analysts express concern that the president is in trouble and must answer questions. ANC-aligned accounts defend the president, emphasizing no finding of guilt and continued support. Skeptical voices dismiss impeachment excitement as shallow politics, predicting Ramaphosa will finish his term. Factual summaries highlight the court's decision to refer the matter to parliament's ethics committee.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa at podium pledging SAPS stability amid police commissioner summons and senior officer arrests in corruption scandal.
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Ramaphosa seeks SAPS stability amid Masemola summons and arrests

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to work with the police minister to stabilise the South African Police Service following a summons for National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and arrests of senior officers over a procurement scandal. The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed Masemola must appear in court on 21 April, while 15 senior officers face corruption charges linked to a R360-million contract. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya emphasised adherence to the law.

The Democratic Alliance says it will participate in any impeachment process following the Constitutional Court ruling that found the National Assembly acted inconsistently with the Constitution in the Phala Phala matter.

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Former South African presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma have filed a court challenge to remove retired judge Sisi Khampepe from heading an inquiry into delays in Truth and Reconciliation Commission prosecutions. The move targets alleged political interference in apartheid-era cases and raises questions about judicial impartiality. President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated he will abide by the court's decision.

Anton Ackermann, a former top prosecutor, testified at the Khampepe inquiry about how former president Thabo Mbeki's actions led to delays in Truth and Reconciliation Commission prosecutions. He described a systematic effort to protect apartheid-era perpetrators through policy changes and political interference. Ackermann highlighted the distinction between reconciliation and justice for victims.

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Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel addressed the gap between South Africa's constitution and daily life during a Pretoria panel on Friday evening. The event marked 30 years since the constitution's formal adoption in 1996.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to support police efforts against gang violence in the Western Cape and illegal mining in Gauteng. The announcement, made during his State of the Nation Address (SONA), received applause from parliamentarians but has drawn criticism from defence analysts. They argue that the move highlights failures in the police service and strains an underfunded military.

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The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has proposed constitutional amendments to prevent election irregularities, with the 2027 general elections just 18 months away. EACC Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud presented these proposals to the National Assembly’s Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee on March 5, 2026. The reforms aim to bar those convicted of corruption or abuse of office from running unless their convictions are overturned on appeal.

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