The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng say it will continue to put pressure on the Constitutional Court to release its long-awaited judgment in the Phala Phala matter.
The case relates to a review application challenging Parliament’s decision to reject the findings of an independent panel report into the 2020 theft of foreign currency at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo.
The panel had found that there was prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa may have violated the Constitution and anti-corruption laws in relation to the handling of the theft, which allegedly involved about $580,000 (around R10 million) hidden in furniture at the farm. Parliament later voted against adopting the report, effectively halting an impeachment inquiry into the president.
The EFF then approached the Constitutional Court of South Africa to review and set aside Parliament’s decision. The party argues that the National Assembly failed to properly consider the panel’s findings.
EFF Gauteng leader Nkululeko Dunga says the delay in delivering the judgment is concerning.
Dunga says the party is not attempting to influence the outcome of the case but wants the court to account for the delay in releasing the ruling.
“We are not here to pressure the Constitutional Court to arrive at a particular outcome. We are here to hold the court accountable to release the Phala Phala judgment. There is really no reason why there should be such a delay. It has been almost 600 days now.”
He says the party will continue holding regular pickets outside the court to demand the release of the judgment.
“As the EFF, we will continue to come here every month. This is a reminder not only to the Constitutional Court to fulfil its mandate, but also to remind society that anyone can be held accountable no matter who you are or where you come from.”
The Phala Phala saga first emerged in 2022 when former State Security Agency director-general Arthur Fraser laid criminal charges against Ramaphosa.
Fraser alleged that the president concealed the 2020 burglary at his farm and used members of the presidential protection unit to investigate the matter outside official channels.
Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing and maintained that the money stolen was proceeds from the sale of game at the farm.
Meanwhile, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says a report relating to the robbery has now been declassified, potentially paving the way for further scrutiny of the matter.
