Julius Malema Says Ramaphosa Cannot Delay Phala Phala Accountability Process

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema says the party will oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa’s attempt to challenge the Section 89 independent impeachment panel report through judicial review.

Malema described Ramaphosa’s latest legal move as opportunistic and dishonest, following the President’s announcement on Monday night that he disputes the accuracy of the report compiled in 2022 by a panel chaired by former Constitutional Court judge Sandile Ngcobo.

The report serves as the basis for Parliament to establish an impeachment committee to examine Ramaphosa’s conduct relating to events at his Phala Phala farm in 2020.

Malema Plans Fresh Legal Battle Over Phala Phala Inquiry

Following a court victory on Friday, the EFF is preparing for another legal challenge linked to the Phala Phala matter.

The party argues that Ramaphosa’s renewed challenge to the Section 89 report is politically motivated rather than rooted in constitutional principle.

Speaking at a youth gathering before Ramaphosa’s announcement, Malema said the EFF would continue pushing for accountability.

“We are going to apply for case management. This one must be sped up. It’s a matter of national importance.”

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Malema maintained that launching a review application should not prevent Parliament from continuing with impeachment proceedings.

However, Public Law professor Richard Calland said it would make little sense for Parliament to move to the next stage of the process while a judicial review is still underway.

EFF Wants Parliament To Continue With Impeachment Process

The EFF has called on National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to proceed with establishing the impeachment committee and provide clear timelines for its work.

Malema also said he expects Didiza to oppose Ramaphosa’s review application.

“It cannot be permissible for a president to indefinitely frustrate constitutional accountability processes by merely initiating litigation, whenever accountability becomes imminent,” said Malema.

The latest developments add further political and legal pressure around the long-running Phala Phala controversy, which has remained a focal point in South Africa’s political landscape since allegations surrounding the 2020 incident first emerged.