The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) led a protest to the steps of the Constitutional Court yesterday morning, intensifying its campaign to pressure the judiciary into releasing a judgment concerning President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Phala Phala farm matter.
The demonstration, which began with a gathering at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, saw protesters march to the nation’s highest court. The party’s core demand is for the immediate release of a judgment on its application to review Parliament’s decision to reject a section 89 report into the President.
An EFF spokesperson outlined the party’s grievances. He stated that the party filed its court application on November 26 of last year, challenging Parliament’s decision as “irrational” and contrary to its constitutional duty to hold the executive accountable.
He expressed sharp criticism of the court’s delay, highlighting a significant breach of judicial norms.
“The norms and standards of the court of South Africa dictate that judgments must be released within 3 months,” he stated. “And it’s now been 12 months and 2 days since the court received our application.”
He accused the Constitutional Court of failing in its constitutional duty as the final arbiter of disputes in South Africa. The spokesperson suggested the delay could be due to “illiteracy, incompetence, or deliberate political intervention,” which she claimed was “resulting in the President being shielded ostensively by the Constitutional Court.”
The party is demanding both an explanation for the year-long delay and the immediate release of the judgment to ensure presidential accountability.
Authorities were present to monitor the event. Police and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers were seen monitoring the assembly point and the march route as it proceeded towards the court.
The protest underscores growing political pressure surrounding the Phala Phala issue, which has been a focal point for opposition parties calling for action against President Ramaphosa.