By: Bright Ntuli
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says it has been a consistent and unwavering voice in demanding accountability for what it describes as criminality, secrecy and abuse of power linked to the Phala Phala scandal.
The Constitutional Court of South Africa is set to deliver judgment on Friday on whether Parliament acted lawfully when it rejected a Section 89 panel report that recommended an impeachment inquiry against President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The matter stems from the alleged theft of a large sum of foreign currency from the president’s Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo in 2020. The incident, which only came to light publicly in 2022, has raised questions about the origin of the funds, the reporting of the crime, and the conduct of those involved in the subsequent investigation.
At the centre of the case is Parliament’s decision not to proceed with an impeachment inquiry after a Section 89 independent panel found that there may be grounds for such a process. Opposition parties, including the EFF, challenged the decision, arguing that it undermined constitutional oversight and accountability mechanisms.
EFF spokesperson Thembi Msane said the party is awaiting the court’s judgment with anticipation, adding that the outcome could have far-reaching implications for executive accountability and the role of Parliament in holding the president to account.
The presidency has previously maintained that President Ramaphosa did not act unlawfully and has welcomed the opportunity for the courts to provide clarity on the issue.
