South African opposition leader Julius Malema has intensified political pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling for his resignation after a Constitutional Court ruling found that parliament violated the constitution by blocking impeachment proceedings against the president in 2022.

The judgement has reopened a politically sensitive chapter that could now lead to fresh impeachment proceedings against Ramaphosa, depending on how parliament responds in the coming weeks.

The case stemmed from a legal challenge filed by opposition parties, including Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) alongside the African Transformation Movement. The court’s ruling centred on parliament’s earlier decision to halt impeachment processes despite recommendations from a panel of legal experts suggesting that Ramaphosa may have a case to answer.

At the heart of the controversy is the 2020 burglary at the president’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo, where thieves allegedly stole more than $500,000 in cash hidden inside a sofa. The incident later triggered allegations that the president had failed to properly account for the origin of the funds.

Ramaphosa, however, maintained that the money came from the sale of buffalo and denied any wrongdoing.

In 2022, impeachment proceedings were ultimately blocked in a parliamentary vote. At the time, Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) held a majority in parliament. The political landscape has since shifted following the 2024 general election, which resulted in the ANC forming a coalition government rather than governing alone.

Reacting to the Constitutional Court ruling, Malema described it as a major turning point and urged the president to step aside.

“He should resign and concentrate on this impeachment process because it has serious implications on him as an individual,” Malema said, arguing that Ramaphosa could not effectively manage both his presidential duties and the looming legal and political scrutiny.

He further suggested that members of the ANC may ultimately support impeachment if proceedings resume, insisting that “the evidence will be before their eyes.”

The Phala Phala scandal, which first emerged in 2020, has remained a persistent source of political tension in South Africa. Three individuals are currently on trial in connection with the alleged theft. (Arise News)