AWC FOREIGN DESK
Cape Town, South Africa — A South African court has temporarily halted impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa over the controversial Phala Phala farm money scandal, handing the embattled leader a legal reprieve as he challenges findings that suggested he may have committed serious misconduct.
The Western Cape High Court on Friday granted Ramaphosa’s application to suspend the work of a parliamentary impeachment committee pending the outcome of his legal challenge against a 2022 report that recommended further investigation into the matter.
Delivering the ruling, Judge Andre le Grange ordered that the parliamentary process be paused, stating:
“Pending the determination by this court of the applicant’s review… respondents are interdicted from proceeding with a public impeachment hearing.”
The Phala Phala Controversy
The case centres on the discovery of approximately $580,000 in foreign currency allegedly hidden inside furniture at Ramaphosa’s private Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo Province.
The money was reportedly stolen during a burglary at the farm in 2020, but the incident only became public in 2022 after allegations emerged that the president may have failed to properly disclose the theft and the source of the funds.
Ramaphosa has consistently denied wrongdoing, insisting that the money came from the legitimate sale of 20 buffaloes and that he reported the theft to law enforcement authorities.
He has rejected calls for his resignation, maintaining that he acted within the law.
Presidential Panel Found Possible Misconduct
The controversy led to a complaint by former intelligence official and ally of former President Jacob Zuma, who alleged that Ramaphosa concealed information about the theft from police and tax authorities.
An independent parliamentary panel established to examine the complaint concluded in November 2022 that Ramaphosa “may have committed” serious violations and misconduct, paving the way for possible impeachment proceedings.
However, the matter was initially blocked after members of the African National Congress (ANC), which controls a majority in Parliament, voted against beginning the impeachment process.
Constitutional Court Revives Proceedings
The issue returned after South Africa’s Constitutional Court overturned the parliamentary decision in May, ruling that the process had not been properly handled.
Following that judgment, Parliament established an impeachment committee to examine the allegations against the president.
The latest court ruling now suspends that process until September, when the court is expected to hear Ramaphosa’s application seeking to overturn the 2022 panel report.
Ramaphosa Welcomes Judicial Process
Following Friday’s decision, Ramaphosa reaffirmed his respect for the country’s judiciary and constitutional institutions.
A statement from the presidency said:
“The President reaffirms his respect of judicial independence and separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution.”
It added that Ramaphosa would continue to cooperate with lawful accountability processes.
Historic Impeachment Battle
If the parliamentary impeachment hearing eventually proceeds, it would mark the first time a sitting South African president faces such a process.
The controversy has placed renewed attention on questions of presidential accountability, transparency and the balance between political authority and constitutional oversight in Africa’s most industrialised economy.
While Ramaphosa has secured a temporary legal victory, the broader political battle over the Phala Phala scandal remains unresolved, with the September court hearing expected to determine whether the impeachment process can continue.
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