Johannesburg — South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party brought a case to the Constitutional Court on Tuesday in an effort to revive impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa over the “Farmgate” scandal.
The controversy stems from allegations that millions of dollars were stolen from Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm, where the money was reportedly hidden in furniture. The allegations first came to light after a former intelligence official reported the theft to police.
An independent panel had previously found evidence suggesting possible misconduct by Ramaphosa. However, in late 2022, lawmakers from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) voted to reject the report, blocking the establishment of a committee to investigate the claims further.
The EFF contends that the National Assembly acted unlawfully by failing to hold the president accountable. Ramaphosa and the ANC, however, argue that the report lacked concrete evidence and relied heavily on hearsay, according to the Constitutional Court’s summary of the case.
Ramaphosa, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, has not been charged with any crime.
The ANC, which lost its parliamentary majority in the May 2024 elections, continues to govern through a coalition. The first hearing in the case began on Tuesday morning.