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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Kiswahili

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.

Watu wanasema nini

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.

Makala yanayohusiana

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.

DA open to Phala Phala impeachment process

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.

Mbeki and Zuma seek removal of TRC inquiry leader

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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.

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Andries Nel highlights constitution's promise versus lived reality

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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.

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National assembly passes bill allowing constitutional court reviews

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Phala Phala theft trial postponed to March 13

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Ramaphosa extends SANDF deployment to Eastern Cape

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