South Africa opposition demands Ramaphosa’s resignation after court ruling
JOHANNESBURG — Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down following a Constitutional Court decision that parliament acted unconstitutionally when it blocked impeachment proceedings against him in 2022.
The judgement, stemming from a legal challenge by Malema’s party, could revive impeachment efforts over a 2020 scandal in which $580,000 in cash was stolen from a sofa at Ramaphosa’s rural farm.
An independent panel had previously found the president might have a case to answer regarding the undeclared funds. Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing.
At the time, the African National Congress (ANC) used its parliamentary majority to halt the process. However, after losing its absolute majority in the 2024 election, the ANC now governs in a coalition.
Ramaphosa’s office said he respects the ruling and “reaffirms his commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law,” adding that no person is above the law.
