Constitutional Court signals imminent ruling on Phala Phala scandal, heightening political tensions

In a pivotal development for South African politics, the Constitutional Court has signaled that the long-delayed Phala Phala farm scandal case is reaching its conclusion.

The court formally notified Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema on April 8, 2026, that its judgment is at an “advanced stage” and will be delivered within the next 30 days.

This follows the EFF consistent calls for accountability in the Phala-Phala matter, after the party raised serious concerns over delays in the case – even marching to the Apex court.

The case represents the final judicial hurdle in a saga that began with a February 2020 burglary at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s private game farm in Limpopo.

During the incident, thieves allegedly stole approximately $580,000 in foreign currency—funds

Ramaphosa maintains were from the sale of buffalo—which had been concealed within furniture.

The scandal erupted publicly in June 2022 when former State Security Agency head Arthur Fraser filed a criminal complaint, accusing the President of failing to report the theft, conducting an unauthorised investigation, and attempting to buy the silence of those involved.

The matter before the apex court is not a criminal trial, but a constitutional challenge.

The EFF is contesting Parliament’s 2022 decision to reject a report from an independent Section 89 panel, which had found Ramaphosa may have a case to answer regarding the Phala Phala affair.

That rejection shielded the President from a potential impeachment process.

“The delay has been a severe erosion of public trust in our judiciary,” said MP Vuyo Zungula, echoing sentiments from critics who have watched the case wind through the courts for years.

In contrast, EFF supporters celebrated the court update, initiating public countdown to what they hope will be a ruling in their favour.

The scandal complexities extend beyond the theft itself, with investigations branching into whether the President violated exchange control regulations by holding large amounts of foreign currency.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) probed this aspect, while the Public Protector initially cleared Ramaphosa of wrongdoing concerning the source of the funds, though noting issues with the police investigation.

With local elections on the horizon, the timing of the judgment is politically charged.

A ruling that compels Parliament to reconsider the impeachment report would inject the Phala Phala scandal back into the heart of national discourse, forcing a renewed scrutiny of the President conduct and testing the ruling party cohesion.

As the 30-day clock ticks down, the nation awaits a decision that will not only close a chapter on a persistent political controversy but also set a significant precedent for holding the highest office in the land to account.

Regardless of the Constitutional Court finding, the Phala Phala affair will remain a defining feature of Ramaphosa presidency