President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing renewed calls to resign after South Africa’s Constitutional Court ruled that parliament acted unlawfully when it blocked impeachment proceedings against him in 2022. The court’s decision stems from the 'Farmgate' scandal, which erupted after $580,000 in cash was stolen from the president’s private property in 2020.
The incident raised serious questions regarding the president's adherence to financial regulations, which require foreign currency to be deposited with authorized dealers.
While Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the cash was proceeds from a buffalo sale, an independent panel previously found evidence suggesting he may have violated his oath of office. Despite these findings, the African National Congress (ANC) used its then-majority to kill the impeachment motion in a 214 to 148 vote.
Now, opposition leaders like Julius Malema are demanding Ramaphosa step down to face the legal consequences of his actions. As the political landscape in South Africa shifts following the 2024 elections, the governing coalition faces mounting pressure to allow the impeachment committee to proceed.
Ramaphosa’s office has stated he respects the judiciary and maintains that no one is above the law, yet the legal shadow cast by the Farmgate allegations continues to threaten his presidency.
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