The EFF will learn on Friday whether its challenge to Parliament’s handling of the Phala Phala scandal will succeed, in a ruling that could have far-reaching implications for executive accountability.
Image: IOL Graphics
The Presidency said that it is also awaiting the judgment on the EFF's bid to revive the Phala Phala matter on Friday, like the rest of the country, and does not want to speculate on whatever ramifications it could entail ahead of the court’s decision.
All eyes will be on the Constitutional Court on Friday, where it will deliver its long-awaited judgment. Chief registrar, Simoné-Lanique Tjamela, said: “The judgment in this matter will be handed down at the Constitutional Court on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 10am.”
The EFF had approached the apex court to challenge Parliament’s December 2022 decision not to adopt the Section 89 panel report, which found that President Cyril Ramaphosa may have a case to answer.
The Phala Phala incident, which occurred in February 2020, involved the alleged theft of millions in foreign currency from the president's private property.
The EFF has criticised the delay, noting that more than 480 days have passed since the hearing - far exceeding the judiciary’s guideline that judgments should generally be delivered within three months, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
The case, heard on November 26, 2024, centres on the EFF’s bid to revive the Phala Phala saga.
While hosting a media briefing to update the public on the president’s programme, Presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, shared how they are also awaiting the Phala Phala judgment.
Image: GCIS
While hosting a media briefing to update the public on the president’s programme, Presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, shared how they are also awaiting the outcome of the Phala Phala judgment.
“We are awaiting the judgment, like you are, and everybody else. You’ve heard the president several times, being consistent in his respect for due process, in his respect for the judiciary, and in his support and commitment to respecting the role of the courts in resolving matters of dispute, which is something that's well expressed and covered within our constitutional framework.
“We will be watching and listening, and going through the judgment as I'm sure all of you will,” Magwenya said. “There's nothing further that we can say about imminent judgment.”
When asked about the impact the judgment may have on not only the president, but also its ramifications for Parliament, Magwenya declined to share his thoughts.
“Let’s wait for the judgment. Let's see what the judgment says, and take it from there. It will be really difficult to say if this happens, (then) this is what will happen, because we don’t know what is going to happen. So let's rather avoid engaging in a speculative discussion.”
The EFF has criticised the delay, noting that more than 480 days have passed since the hearing - far exceeding the judiciary’s guideline that judgments should generally be delivered within three months, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Meanwhile, an Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) report has alleged a cover-up related to the robbery.
IPID has recommended disciplinary action against two SAPS officers, including a senior member of the Presidential Protection Service, over their alleged roles in the incident.
Those implicated are Major General Wally Rhoode, head of the Presidential Protection Service, and Constable HH Rekhoto. Rekhoto 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).
Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu had previously indicated the report would remain classified.
theolin.tembo@inl.co.za