Presidency braces for Concourt decision on Phala Phala

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. The Presidency is awaiting the Constitutional Court’s judgment on the EFF’s bid to revive the Phala Phala matter, alongside the rest of the country, and refrains from speculating on its potential ramifications. 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.