President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation tonight at 20:00, 11 May 2026, days after the Constitutional Court revived the Phala Phala impeachment process in a landmark ruling that has put his presidency under fresh scrutiny.
On Friday, 8 May 2026, the apex court declared Parliament’s December 2022 vote to reject the Section 89 independent panel report unconstitutional and invalid. The court found that the National Assembly had acted unlawfully when it used Rule 129I to block an impeachment inquiry, and ordered that the panel’s report be referred directly to a parliamentary impeachment committee. 25b5ef4b
The Section 89 panel had previously concluded there was prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa may have seriously violated the Constitution over the alleged theft of $580,000 in foreign currency hidden in a couch at his Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo in February 2020. While the court did not rule on Ramaphosa’s guilt, it said the matter must now proceed to a full parliamentary investigation. ef4be54ead4e
Political Fallout
The ruling has been hailed by opposition parties as a victory for accountability. EFF leader Julius Malema celebrated outside the Constitutional Court, saying Parliament can no longer “vote to protect corruption”. ActionSA also welcomed the decision, pointing out that the ANC no longer holds an outright majority in Parliament after the 2024 elections, making it harder to shield the President. 91fa85f9
Ramaphosa, for his part, said he respects the court’s judgment and reaffirmed that “no person is above the law”. The Presidency confirmed he is now weighing his legal options, including a possible high court review of the panel report. Sources say resignation is not currently under consideration. ef9e6c1b
What Happens Next
The impeachment committee will now have to consider whether Ramaphosa’s conduct meets the threshold for removal under Section 89 of the Constitution. The process is unlikely to conclude before the local government elections on 4 November 2026, meaning it could dominate the political landscape in the coming months. 6c1b
With the ANC weakened and coalition politics now shaping Parliament, the outcome will depend heavily on how parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU) choose to vote. The DA, MK Party, EFF and ATM have all signalled they will push for accountability, while the ANC is expected to defend its leader.
Tonight’s address is therefore expected to focus on Ramaphosa reaffirming his commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law, rather than announcing a resignation.
