Julius Malema demands Cyril Ramaphosa resign over impeachment ruling

Julius Malema has called for the resignation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa after the Constitutional Court ruled that Parliament acted unlawfully by blocking impeachment proceedings against him in 2022.

The ruling follows a legal challenge brought by Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and others, reopening debate over the controversial “Farmgate” scandal linked to stolen cash allegedly hidden at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm.

The case stems from a 2020 burglary at the president’s farm in Limpopo Province, where about $580,000 in cash was reportedly stolen from furniture inside the residence. Questions were later raised about the origin of the money and whether it had been properly declared in line with South African financial regulations.

Although an independent panel in 2022 found that Ramaphosa may have a case to answer regarding possible constitutional violations, Parliament voted against initiating impeachment proceedings at the time, when the ruling African National Congress (ANC) still held a parliamentary majority.

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Following the latest court judgement, Ramaphosa’s office said the president respects the ruling and remains committed to the constitution, judicial independence, and the rule of law.

“President Ramaphosa maintains that no person is above the law and that any allegations should be subjected to due process without fear, favour or prejudice,” a statement from his office said.

Speaking outside the court in Johannesburg, Malema argued that the president should step down and focus on defending himself in any future impeachment process.

“You cannot serve the two – one is going to suffer,” Malema said, referring to Ramaphosa’s role as president while facing potential impeachment proceedings.

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The EFF has reportedly written to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza requesting urgent clarification on the next parliamentary steps following the judgement.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance, the second-largest party in the governing coalition, stressed that Parliament must now handle the impeachment process fairly and constitutionally.

The “Farmgate” controversy continues to generate political tension in South Africa, especially after the ANC lost its outright parliamentary majority following the 2024 general election.

Ramaphosa has consistently denied wrongdoing, insisting the money came from the sale of buffaloes at his farm. Three individuals are currently standing trial over the alleged theft.