Chief Justice Mandisa Maya vows to expedite judgment on the Phala Phala scandal amid rising political tensions
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya faces mounting pressure as she vows to expedite the long-awaited judgment on the Phala Phala farm scandal amid escalating political tensions.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
CHIEF Justice Mandisa Maya has pledged to expedite the delivery of the long-awaited judgment concerning the Phala Phala farm matter.
This commitment comes in response to widespread criticism from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the African Transformation Movement (ATM), who have expressed frustration over the delay, which has extended beyond 12 months since the case was concluded at the Constitutional Court.
On Wednesday, members of the EFF staged a picket outside the Constitutional Court, voicing their dissatisfaction with the protracted judgment process.
This protest marked a significant escalation in the EFF’s efforts to compel the highest court in the land to rule on a matter that has ignited considerable public debate and political controversy.
In 2024, the EFF approached the apex court following Parliament's dismissal of a report suggesting that President Cyril Ramaphosa may have breached his oath of office. The report raised concerns regarding the president’s conduct in a 2020 theft incident, during which over $580,000 was stolen from his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo.
The EFF contended that Parliament’s refusal to adopt the report, which indicated potential misconduct by the president, was irrational and unconstitutional, leading them to escalate the matter to the apex court.
During a media briefing on Wednesday, EFF leader Julius Malema revealed that the party has intensified its political campaign surrounding the contentious Phala Phala farm saga, positioning it as a key issue as they approach the upcoming 2026 local government elections.
The party also announced plans to picket outside the Constitutional Court on the first Wednesday of each month until a verdict is delivered.
"Every month, there is going to be a protest at the Constitutional Court. This month is the picketing location, next month, it will be Tshwane, Sedibeng, and the next month, it will be Ekurhuleni. This will happen until the judgment is delivered," he said
In response to the outcry from the EFF and the ATM, which recently submitted a joint letter to the registrar of the Constitutional Court, Acting Chief Registrar Karabo Munene stated that Maya is currently handling the matter, which will be resolved as soon as possible.
"The matter is on the desk of the Chief Justice. The delay is regretted, and the matter is being expedited. The judgment will be delivered as soon as practically possible," Munene said.
ATM leader Vuyolwethu Zungula has formally requested an update from the Registrar of the Constitutional Court regarding the delay in delivering the much-anticipated judgment.
IOL has reported that Zungula, in a joint letter with the EFF, penned on February 3, raised concerns about the institutional inefficiency exhibited by the court. He noted that the judgment has been reserved for over a year, emphasising that it "remains of significant public interest."
"During the hearing of this matter, judgment was and remains reserved with no indication of a possible date of delivery. This matter was and still remains of public interest. Notably, a decision on this matter will have direct and immediate implications for the constitutional obligations of the president, the National Assembly, and the very future holder of the highest executive office," Zungula said in the letter.