Ramaphosa impeachment loading

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has formally written to the Speaker of the National Assembly requesting the immediate initiation of impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa in terms of Section 89 of the Constitution.

In a detailed letter dated 10 April 2026, ATM President Vuyo Zungula argues that recent findings from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), when read together with the Section 89 Independent Panel Report, raise serious and corroborated concerns of executive misconduct, constitutional breaches, and possible criminal wrongdoing linked to the handling of the Phala Phala farm burglary.

The party says the developments warrant urgent parliamentary intervention and the establishment of an independent panel to assess whether impeachment proceedings should proceed.

Zungula's letter places significant weight on the IPID report, which allegedly found that senior members of the South African Police Service, including the Head of the Presidential Protection Unit, engaged in unlawful conduct in relation to the 2020 burglary at the President's Phala Phala farm.

The ATM claims the report confirms concealment of a crime, unlawful interrogation of suspects, misuse of state resources, bribery allegations, and failure to open a formal criminal case.

The party argues that these findings point to a "parallel and unlawful investigation" conducted outside established SAPS procedures.

A key component of the ATM's argument is sworn affidavit evidence attributed to Major-General Wally Rhoode, which allegedly suggests that he acted on instructions linked to President Ramaphosa to "attend to the matter and report back."

Zungula argues that this affidavit, combined with subsequent actions carried out without formal SAPS processes, strengthens the inference of presidential knowledge or involvement in the handling of the burglary.

The letter further alleges that the use of state security resources and coordination with senior officials close to the Presidency raises constitutional concerns about the blurring of public and private interests.

ATM contends that the matter engages several constitutional provisions, including the President's duty to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution.

It also argues that failure to report the theft of foreign currency to law enforcement authorities may constitute a breach of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA), which requires reporting of serious offences.

The party further states that the alleged use of state machinery for a private matter, if proven, would amount to serious misconduct and abuse of power.

Citing prior Constitutional Court rulings on parliamentary accountability, the ATM has urged the Speaker to immediately initiate Rule 129A procedures, including the appointment of an independent panel to assess the evidence.

The party wants the IPID report and related materials formally submitted for review, arguing that Parliament has a constitutional obligation to act without delay or political bias.

Zungula warns that failure to proceed could undermine public trust in constitutional institutions and set a precedent of unaccountability at the highest level of government.

The call adds renewed political pressure on President Ramaphosa over the long-running Phala Phala saga, which has remained a divisive national issue since it first emerged.

While the Presidency has consistently denied wrongdoing and maintained that due processes were followed, ATM insists the cumulative findings from multiple reports justify impeachment consideration under Section 89 of the Constitution.