The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are awaiting a crucial ruling from the Constitutional Court on Friday, which could have far-reaching implications for executive accountability in South Africa. The court is set to deliver its judgment on the EFF’s bid to revive the Phala Phala matter, amid growing pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa and concerns about accountability.
The apex court confirmed the date on Tuesday, with chief registrar Simoné-Lanique Tjamela stating that the judgment will be handed down at 10am. The party approached the court to challenge Parliament’s December 2022 decision not to adopt the Section 89 panel report, which found that Ramaphosa may have a case to answer.
Phala Phala Scandal Background
The Phala Phala scandal revolves around the alleged theft of large sums of money from Ramaphosa’s farm in Limpopo. An Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) report has alleged a cover-up related to the robbery, with recommendations for disciplinary action against two SAPS officers, including a senior member of the Presidential Protection Service.
Those implicated are Major General Wally Rhoode, head of the Presidential Protection Service, and Constable HH Rekhoto, who is attached to the Presidential Protection Service unit at the head office in Pretoria. The findings follow the declassification of the IPID report into the conduct of Presidential Protection Service members, after a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application by ActionSA and the African Transformation Movement (ATM).
IPID Report Findings
The IPID report identified Rhoode and Rekhoto as “the individuals who were mostly involved in the alleged cover-up of the theft from the president’s farm”. Both members were approached and given the opportunity to respond to the allegations made against them. Rekhoto provided a sworn affidavit in January 2023, while Rhoode failed to respond to IPID’s questions, despite indicating he would do so after the State of the Nation Address.
The report stated that “IPID’s investigation therefore necessitated the analysis of the available evidence gathered”. The findings of the report have raised concerns about the handling of the Phala Phala scandal and the potential involvement of high-ranking officials in a cover-up.
The ruling on Friday is expected to have significant implications for Ramaphosa and the ruling party. The EFF has been vocal in its criticism of the government’s handling of the scandal, and a favorable ruling could embolden the party’s calls for accountability.
- The Constitutional Court will deliver its judgment on the EFF’s bid to revive the Phala Phala matter on Friday.
- The IPID report has alleged a cover-up related to the robbery, with recommendations for disciplinary action against two SAPS officers.
- The findings have raised concerns about the handling of the Phala Phala scandal and the potential involvement of high-ranking officials in a cover-up.
As the country awaits the ruling, many are wondering what the implications will be for Ramaphosa and the ruling party. According to the South African Government website, the President is expected to respond to the ruling in due course.
