Stories from Pretoria · South Africa

EFF leader Julius Malema announced he will immediately write to National Assembly Speaker Togo to Diza to request the establishment of an impeachment committee in the Palapala matter. This decision follows Chief Justice Mundi Samaya's ruling in favor of the EFF in the case. Julius Malema, leader of the left-populist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has recommended the immediate resignation of President Ramaphosa. Malema stated that Ramaphosa will go to jail and be arrested once impeachment proceedings begin. He cited evidence expected to emerge regarding the President's Phala Phala farm.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing calls for his resignation, marking a serious moment for Parliament and the Presidency in South Africa. A resolution has reportedly shone a spotlight on parliamentary processes, impacting the proper functioning of the nation's democracy. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated he will not resign, despite pressure from several senior ministers. A court recently revived a case against him.

A speaker stated they will be part of an impeachment committee and argued that the African National Congress (ANC) has used its parliamentary majority to shield the President. The discussion centers on whether to proceed with a criminal matter.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NISFAS) in South Africa is reportedly 'largely broken.' This assessment was made during a discussion about the country's constitution, access to quality education, and ongoing land reform issues.

Following a potential dissolution of a cabinet and a new presidential election, the ANC may be forced to negotiate with the Democratic Alliance (DA) or a combination of the MKP and EFF to constitute a government.

The ruling will determine if Parliament should have voted to block moves to impeach the president. This decision concerns the Assembly's December 2022 vote to reject the Section 89 independent panel report. The report investigated President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala scandal. A South African court is currently considering whether the case involving President Ramaphosa and Palla Palla should proceed. This structure was adopted to ensure checks and balances, addressing past misuse of power when one party held a majority. The current ruling is seen as a step in this direction. South Africa's Parliament has noted and respects the Constitutional Court's judgment on the Pala Pala matter, describing it as a ruling. The institution stated it will require careful legal and procedural consideration.

Three individuals are on trial regarding the alleged theft of $580,000 in cash from a property in Ramaposa's ruled territory. The theft allegedly occurred in 2020 when burglars broke into a residence and stole the cash hidden inside a sofa.

The Democratic Alliance has claimed that 800 rape cases were closed because survivors were missing.

Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs met with South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. South Africa and Japan confirmed cooperation to strengthen supply chains, particularly concerning resources like platinum and vanadium.

Nigerian Minister Bianca Odumegu Ojukwu stated that approximately 130 Nigerians have already left South Africa following attacks and destruction of property.