The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a South African opposition party, brought a case to the Constitutional Court on Tuesday seeking to revive impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The proceedings relate to allegations stemming from the “Farmgate” scandal, which involves claims that Ramaphosa concealed a burglary at his private game farm in 2020 and failed to report the theft of a large sum of undeclared foreign currency.

The case underscores significant legal questions about the accountability of government officials. Section 89 of the South African Constitution provides for the impeachment of a president if they are found guilty of a severe violation of the law, misconduct, or an inability to perform their duties. In December 2022, an independent parliamentary panel found preliminary evidence that Ramaphosa may have violated these provisions. However, the African National Congress (ANC) majority in Parliament subsequently rejected a motion to proceed with the impeachment process.

The EFF argues that the suspension of impeachment proceedings by the ruling ANC-dominated Parliament undermines the principle of accountability and violates constitutional principles. The party contends that Ramaphosa’s alleged misconduct warrants further investigation and potential removal from office. The Constitutional Court, South Africa’s highest judicial body, is now tasked with determining whether parliament’s decision to halt the process was lawful.

Accountability is a cornerstone of the rule of law, ensuring that government officials are answerable for their actions. Critics of the ANC’s handling of the matter have expressed concerns that political majorities in parliament may obstruct processes meant to safeguard the public trust.

Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the funds in question were proceeds from a legitimate sale of animals. His legal team has described the impeachment effort as politically motivated and an attempt to undermine the stability of his administration.