Cyril Ramaphosa Secures Court Order Halting Impeachment Over Farmgate Scandal

The Western Cape High Court granted President Cyril Ramaphosa an interim interdict, temporarily stopping Parliament’s Section 89 impeachment committee from holding public hearings. The court order follows the “Farmgate” scandal, in which about $580,000 was found hidden in a sofa at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo. Ramaphosa maintains the cash came from the sale of buffaloes and denies any wrongdoing.

The interdict pauses the impeachment process while the president challenges the legality of the 2022 independent‑panel report that concluded he may have committed serious violations. Political analysts note that the African National Congress retains a parliamentary majority, making it likely Ramaphosa will remain in office even if the impeachment later proceeds. Meanwhile, the impeachment committee has been deadlocked over its terms of reference and the appointment of evidence leaders, and parties disagree on whether the president must testify in person. A judgment on the interdict is expected soon, with a separate review hearing slated for September.