South African President Cyril Ramaphosa now faces a renewed threat of impeachment as Members of Parliament (MPs) have formed a committee to investigate allegations surrounding a 2020 farm robbery.
This critical step follows a ruling by South Africa's highest court last month. The court found that MPs had violated the constitution by blocking previous attempts to impeach President Ramaphosa in 2022. The new committee will recommend whether or not to pursue impeachment proceedings.
The current situation affects President Ramaphosa more deeply because of recent political shifts. His African National Congress (ANC) party lost its parliamentary majority in the 2024 elections. This forces him to lead a coalition government, making him more dependent on support from other parties. Previously, the ANC's majority shielded him from such challenges.
The scandal, dubbed "Farmgate," began with a robbery at President Ramaphosa's private farm in Phala Phala, Limpopo province, in 2020. Thieves allegedly stole $580,000 in US dollar bills hidden in a sofa. These details became public two years later when former spy chief Arthur Fraser accused the president of concealing the theft from police and tax authorities.
President Ramaphosa has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating the money came from the legitimate sale of buffalo from his livestock business. He has also argued that an earlier independent panel, which found he had a case to answer, misunderstood its mandate. The South African Reserve Bank investigated and found no violations of exchange control laws. The Public Protector, an official who investigates abuse of power, also found no wrongdoing.
However, the independent panel established by parliament in 2022 raised "substantial doubt about the legitimacy of the source of the currency." It concluded that Ramaphosa "has a case to answer." The current parliamentary committee chaired by Makashule Gana, a member of the Rise Mzansi party, will proceed with its work. His legal challenge against the 2022 report will not stop the committee.
South African law allows for a president's removal for violating the constitution, serious misconduct, or inability to perform duties. Ramaphosa is accused of the first two. For impeachment to succeed, at least two-thirds of MPs must vote to remove the president. This requires 267 votes in the 400-seat National Assembly.
The ANC currently holds 159 seats. Political analyst Sandile Swana stated that ANC MPs are unlikely to vote against their president. However, the stance of other coalition partners, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), remains less certain. Richard Calland, a public law professor at the University of Cape Town, believes Ramaphosa has a "good chance" of succeeding in his legal challenge against the initial panel's report, which could halt the entire process.
The ongoing investigation and legal challenges mean the coming months will be crucial. Observers will closely watch the committee's findings and the voting patterns within the new coalition government. This saga directly impacts market confidence and political stability in South Africa.