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The impeachment process has three steps in practice.

The first is that a report investigating the allegations against the President is prepared and presented to Parliament. This is the step that the Constitutional Court ruled on last Friday. Step two is for a committee of Members of Parliament to convene, hear evidence, and then recommend to their peers how to proceed. Step three is for Parliament to vote on that recommendation. If two-thirds vote in favour, then the President is out of a job.

The first stage has already been completed. An independent panel reviewed the matter of the burglary and cash at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farmhouse and found prima facie evidence suggesting that Ramaphosa may have committed a serious violation of the Constitution or anti-corruption laws.

That finding in and of itself created the basis for a full inquiry into his conduct, causing the process to move to step two, which can be thought of as the current stage.

Under step two, Parliament is required to establish an impeachment committee. This committee will be made up of representatives from all political parties. Its task will be to investigate the allegations against the President and determine whether his conduct warrants removal from office.

The committee has significant powers. It may subpoena witnesses, request documents, and hold public hearings. President Ramaphosa is also likely to be called to testify under oath.

Unlike before May 2024, the African National Congress no longer has the majority required to manage or control the process on its own terms. This means it cannot gerrymander the committee as easily as might have before.

Once the committee has completed its investigation, it will present a report to Parliament. That report will recommend whether the President’s conduct warrants removal from office.

The process then moves to step three, where Parliament must vote on whether to axe Ramaphosa. To remove the President from office, Parliament must pass a resolution by a two-thirds majority. If that happens, Ramaphosa would be removed from office immediately and could lose the benefits associated with the office.

There is also a “fourth” step, albeit not part of the formal impeachment process, in the form of a motion of no confidence, which may be called against Ramaphosa even if the two-thirds majority vote fails to dislodge him. That motion may pass with a simple majority.

Read The Common Sense’s detailed analysis here of the three scenarios facing Ramaphosa and South Africa now, and which of these is most likely to happen.