Cape Town – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) announced on Wednesday that it would boycott President Cyril Ramaphosa‘s reply to the Presidency Budget Vote debate, describing him as a “constitutional delinquent” over the ongoing Phala Phala controversy.
The party argued that Ramaphosa should not address Parliament while impeachment proceedings linked to the Section 89 report are still unresolved.
EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo accused the president of attempting to avoid accountability by challenging the Section 89 Independent Panel Report in court after it found prima facie evidence that he may have violated the Constitution and the law.
“Ramaphosa, who is currently attempting to avoid accountability by asking the courts to review the Section 89 Independent Panel Report, which found prima facie evidence that he may have committed serious violations of the constitution and the law, does not deserve an audience in parliament until impeachment proceedings against him are concluded.
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The EFF Parliamentary Caucus Will not Participate in Cyril Ramaphosa’s Reply to the Presidency Budget Vote.
Ramaphosa, who is currently attempting to avoid accountability by asking the courts to review the Section 89 Independent Panel Report, which found prima… pic.twitter.com/5mBcHEOMIZ
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) June 3, 2026
“The people of South Africa must remember that before the National Assembly could vote on the adoption of the Section 89 Independent Panel Report on 13 December 2022, Ramaphosa approached the courts to review and set aside the report. This was a transparent effort to frustrate and delay constitutional accountability,” said Thambo.
The EFF also criticised Ramaphosa’s handling of the Phala Phala scandal, alleging that he used state resources to shield himself from scrutiny regarding the theft of foreign currency from his farm in 2020.
“Millions of dollars were concealed in furniture at the president’s private farm. Instead of submitting himself to scrutiny and accountability, Ramaphosa mobilised the resources of the state to protect himself and ensure that the full truth about Phala Phala never emerges. One must therefore ask: if he is not guilty, what is it that this president is trying to hide? What is he afraid of?” he said.
In addition, the party accused National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza of failing to remain impartial, claiming her loyalty lies with the ANC and Ramaphosa rather than Parliament and the Constitution.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
