President Cyril Ramaphosa says he respects the Constitutional Court’s judgement and reaffirmed his commitment to the Constitution, the independence of the Judiciary and the rule of law.
This comes after the Constitutional Court ruled that Parliament’s decision to reject the Phala Phala report was unconstitutional. The matter now goes to an impeachment committee and will be reconsidered through proper constitutional processes.
In a statement issued on Friday, the presidency said Ramaphosa “has been consistent in providing his full assistance to the various enquiries into this matter.”
“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.”
The EFF and ATM brought the case in November 2024, challenging Parliament’s rejection of the Section 89 Independent Panel’s report on the Phala Phala scandal.
The matter stems from a 2020 robbery at Ramaphosa’s farm, where $580,000 in cash – allegedly stored in furniture – was stolen.
‘Phala Phala will never die’
The EFF says they promised the people of South Africa from the very beginning that Phala Phala will never die.
“Today’s judgment confirms that truth. Despite all attempts by the ANC, Parliament, and captured state institutions to bury this scandal, constitutional accountability has prevailed.
The EFF will continue to fight relentlessly until Cyril Ramaphosa is held fully accountable before Parliament, before the law, and before the people of South Africa.”
Meanwhile, DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis says this is a “grave moment for Parliament, for the Presidency, and for South Africa’s constitutional democracy”.
Hill-Lewis also said the party will participate “fully and constructively” in the impeachment committee.
“We will be guided by the facts, by the evidence placed before the committee, and by our constitutional duty. We will not prejudge the outcome. But nor will we allow any person, no matter how high their office, to be placed above accountability.”
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