The Constitutional Court of South Africa is set to hear a pivotal case next month that could revive impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa. This case, initiated by two opposition parties, centers around a scandal involving over $500,000 in cash that was hidden in a couch at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm and subsequently stolen.
In 2022, Ramaphosa successfully dodged an impeachment vote when his party, the African National Congress (ANC), utilized its parliamentary majority to block the motion. This decision came despite an independent report suggesting the need for a thorough investigation into the president’s actions.
Since then, the ANC has formed a coalition with nine other political parties, mitigating some of the backlash against Ramaphosa. However, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the African Transformation Movement (ATM), both outside the ruling coalition, are arguing in court that parliament failed to adequately hold the president accountable.
Key Aspects of the Scandal
The scandal first emerged in June 2022 when it was revealed that approximately $580,000 in cash had been stolen from Ramaphosa’s ranch more than two years prior but had been kept secret. Ramaphosa has faced allegations of tax evasion, money laundering, and violations of foreign currency laws, all of which he denies. He asserts that the funds were derived from legitimate animal sales at the farm, although he has not clarified why the money was hidden in furniture.
Accusations of a Concealment Effort
Ramaphosa also confronted questions regarding whether he reported the theft to the police. He claims he informed his security detail about the incident but has been accused of trying to cover up both the theft and the existence of the cash. Despite being cleared of wrongdoing by the South African Reserve Bank and a public watchdog, opposition parties continue to scrutinize these findings.
At 71, Ramaphosa was re-elected for a second term in June, relying on support from opposition lawmakers after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994. The upcoming court proceedings may prove to be a significant test for his presidency and the stability of the coalition government.