South Africa's Constitutional Court has cleared the way for the revival of impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa, ruling that parliament's 2022 decision to block an inquiry was unconstitutional. The case stems from the so-called 'Farmgate' scandal involving the theft of a large sum of cash from Ramaphosa's farmhouse.

In 2022, Ramaphosa's African National Congress (ANC) party used its parliamentary majority to reject an independent panel's recommendation for an inquiry into the theft. The scandal erupted after former spy chief Arthur Fraser accused the president of covering up the theft of about $4 million, though Ramaphosa claims only $580,000 was taken.

Chief Justice Mandisa Maya declared the December 13, 2022 vote invalid and ordered the independent panel's report to be referred to an impeachment committee. The case was brought by opposition parties Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and African Transformation Movement (ATM), which have called for Ramaphosa's resignation.

Ramaphosa, in power since 2018, denies any wrongdoing, stating the money came from buffalo sales at his farm. The impeachment committee will review evidence over several months before deciding whether to recommend formal proceedings.

Even if the committee recommends impeachment, removing Ramaphosa would require a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly. The ANC, though losing its majority in 2024, still holds more than one-third of seats, likely ensuring Ramaphosa's survival.

The president's office said it respects the court's judgment and that no one is above the law. The impeachment committee's decision is expected in several months.

Source: www.aljazeera.com