EFF ramps up pressure on Constitutional Court over delayed Phala Phala judgment

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has intensified its campaign over what it calls an unconstitutional and deliberate delay by the Constitutional Court in delivering judgment on the Phala Phala matter — accusing the judiciary of shielding President Cyril Ramaphosa and eroding public trust.

The party says the court has sat on the case for more than a year, despite expectations that the ruling should have been delivered within three months. This echoes recent allegations of judicial capture made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The EFF marched from the Johannesburg CBD to the Constitutional Court in Braamfontein, demanding the immediate release of the judgment on Parliament’s decision to reject the Section 89 Independent Panel Report into the Phala Phala scandal.

They argue the delay undermines judicial independence and fuels public distrust.

The EFF laid criminal charges against Ramaphosa in June 2022, accusing him of corruption, kidnapping, bribery and money laundering linked to the theft of $580-thousand at his Limpopo farm.

Earlier this week, the Public Protector confirmed Ramaphosa is being probed for possible violations of the Executive Ethics Code.

But EFF national chairperson, Nontando Nolutshungu, says she has little confidence the inquiry will lead to accountability.

The party insists the President is not above the law, and has vowed to continue applying pressure until the judgment is released.

Addressing supporters earlier, EFF leader Julius Malema said the party will now stage monthly pickets outside the court until the ruling is delivered.

Malema said the Constitution does not allow selective justice or delays that benefit the powerful, adding that a judgment on the possible impeachment of a sitting President cannot be withheld indefinitely.

He accused the Court of missing its own deadline, saying the delay creates the impression the judiciary is unwilling to act against Ramaphosa.

The EFF says each passing day without judgment deepens public suspicion and undermines the credibility of the judiciary.

The Phala Phala scandal dates back to February 2020, when foreign currency was stolen from Ramaphosa’s farm, sparking years of political fallout and repeated EFF demands for his resignation.

Addressing supporters again outside the Constitutional Court, Malema escalated his criticism — calling for National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head, Shamila Batohi, to be arrested for defeating the ends of justice by failing to act against Ramaphosa.

He accused the judiciary of deliberately withholding a judgment that has been pending for over a year, in order to protect the President’s financial interests.

The EFF handed over a memorandum of demands to the Court, received by its Director and to be forwarded to Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.

The party is challenging Parliament’s 2024 decision to reject the Section 89 panel report, which made damning findings against Ramaphosa over the estimated $4-million stolen from his farm. The ANC used its majority to block possible impeachment proceedings.

Malema said the Court must uphold the Constitution and has accused it of failing in its duty.

He dismissed Ramaphosa’s claim that the undeclared cash — allegedly hidden in furniture — was payment for a buffalo sale.

The EFF says it will continue demanding the immediate release of the judgment, warning that the delay suggests the President is above the law and threatens South Africa’s constitutional democracy.

♦️In Pictures♦️#ReleasePhalaPhalaJudgement March Photo album.

Our people came out in their numbers! pic.twitter.com/Xt0dYsgbnP

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) November 28, 2025

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe