In Conversation With Goodenough Mashego- political analyst

Fresh political tensions are emerging within the African National Congress following the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the Phala Phala matter, with reports indicating growing internal pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign ahead of critical political and electoral battles. The Constitutional Court recently ruled that Parliament acted unconstitutionally when it blocked the adoption of the Section 89 Independent Panel report in 2022 — a report that found there may have been a case for Parliament to investigate whether Ramaphosa violated the Constitution in relation to the Phala Phala farm scandal. The judgment effectively revives the impeachment process and requires Parliament to reconsider the Section 89 report through the proper constitutional mechanisms. According to reports, divisions are now surfacing within the ANC itself, with some factions reportedly arguing that Ramaphosa’s continued leadership could damage the party ahead of the upcoming local government elections, while others remain firmly behind him. Opposition parties including the Economic Freedom Fighters and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party have intensified calls for Ramaphosa to resign, arguing that a sitting President facing impeachment proceedings weakens public confidence in government and democratic institutions. At the same time, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has publicly reaffirmed the party’s support for Ramaphosa, highlighting growing tensions between competing political camps within the governing party. Instagram · Twitter