Rival factions within the African National Congress have intensified calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down in the wake of the Constitutional Court’s landmark ruling on the Phala Phala matter. The judgment, handed down on 8 May 2026, has triggered significant internal divisions within the ruling party as it grapples with the political implications.
The Constitutional Court set aside the National Assembly’s 2022 vote that had rejected the Section 89 independent panel report into allegations surrounding the 2020 burglary at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm. The court found that Parliament’s handling of the matter was unconstitutional, ordering the report to be referred to an impeachment committee for further proceedings. This development has emboldened both opposition parties and some ANC members who believe strong action is needed to restore the party’s credibility.
Sources within the ANC indicate that certain factions view the ruling as a critical moment that exposes vulnerabilities in Ramaphosa’s leadership. These groups argue that the President’s continued tenure could harm the party’s standing ahead of future electoral challenges and undermine public trust in the institution of the presidency. Calls for resignation have gained traction particularly among those who have long expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of internal party matters and coalition dynamics in the Government of National Unity.
The African Transformation Movement has already tabled a motion of no confidence against Ramaphosa, while the MK Party has formally notified the Speaker of its intention to file a similar motion. Opposition parties including the EFF have repeated demands for the President’s immediate resignation, describing the situation as a test of South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
The Presidency has maintained that Ramaphosa respects the court’s decision and remains committed to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law. However, the internal ANC pressure adds another layer of complexity as senior party figures deliberate on how to manage the unfolding crisis without further fracturing the organisation.
Legal and political analysts note that while the court ruling does not equate to a finding of guilt, it places the onus back on Parliament to conduct a proper impeachment process. This could unfold over several weeks or months, keeping the Phala Phala saga at the centre of national political discourse.
The situation continues to evolve with urgent meetings reportedly taking place within ANC structures to formulate a unified response. The outcome of these internal discussions may significantly influence the stability of the current administration and the broader political landscape in South Africa.
