JOHANNESBURG - The Constitutional Court is set to deliver its long-awaited judgment in the Phala Phala saga.
Governance expert Mazwe Majola expects a balanced ruling, saying the court did not rush its decision.
The Economic Freedom Fighters and the African Transformation Movement approached the apex court, arguing that Parliament mishandled the Phala Phala report.
The ruling could have far-reaching implications for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s political future.
The case challenges Parliament’s decision to reject the report of the Section 89 Independent Panel.
Ramaphosa’s troubles began when a break-in at his game farm in 2020 targeted foreign currency stashed on the property.
Majola said Friday’s judgment is not only about whether Ramaphosa is found guilty or innocent in the Phala Phala matter, but also about the constitutionality of Parliament’s actions and decisions.
He said the ruling could heighten political tensions.
“One scenario could be that the judgment favours the EFF and ATM and says the matter must go back to the seventh Parliament for reconsideration. Another possibility is that it affirms Parliament’s decision,” he said.
Majola added that he hopes the judgment will be well-written and clearly delivered.