South Africa Court Orders Ramaphosa Impeachment Review
South Africa's top court ruled that lawmakers were wrong. They had blocked impeachment steps against President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The court sent the case directly to a parliamentary impeachment committee. It also struck down a rule that let Parliament stop impeachment proceedings.
Parliament must now change its rules. Lawmakers can no longer block impeachment once an independent panel finds enough evidence.
Opposition parties brought the case to court. They said Parliament failed its duty when it rejected the impeachment report in December 2022.
The ruling was delivered at Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg, South Africa. The case links to an incident at Ramaphosa's farm in February 2020.
About $580,000 in foreign currency was hidden in furniture including a couch. The money was stolen.
Ramaphosa did not tell the public about the theft at the time. This raised questions about his conduct.
Key Terms 5
- Constitutional Court South Africa's highest court for matters involving the constitution
- Impeachment A formal process to remove a leader from power
- Section 89 panel An independent group that reviews evidence for presidential impeachment
- ANC South Africa's ruling political party, which controls Parliament
- EFF and ATM South African opposition parties that brought this court case