South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa could be forced to step aside after a Section 89 independent panel found prima facie evidence in the Phala Phala farm scandal.
Will Ramaphosa step down as South Africa’s president? – Here’s what we know
Less than six months after former spy boss Arthur Fraser filed a criminal complaint against the president, claiming he’d concealed large sums of foreign currency at his Phala Phala farm in Waterberg, Limpopo, and used unscrupulous means, as well as foreign channels to get it back, an independent panel established in terms of Section 89 of the Constitution has found probable cause for Ramaphosa’s complicity in acts of graft, kidnapping, theft and, more shocking, torture.
The 82-page report, filed in Parliament on Wednesday, 30 November 2022, notes a series of grievous transgressions Ramaphosa may have committed to not only conceal the theft of $580 000 (est. R10 million) but also colluding with foreign governments in “[handling] the matter with discretion.”
“The president abused his position as Head of State to have the matter investigated and seeking the assistance of the Namibian President to apprehend a suspect. There was more foreign currency concealed in the sofa than the amount reflected in the acknowledgement of receipt. This raises the source of the additional currency,” the report noted.
Immediately after the report was released, the Presidency noted, in a statement, the “unprecedented and extraordinary moment for South Africa’s constitutional democracy.”
Ramaphosa, on the other hand, doubled down on his submission to the independent panel, vehemently reiterating his denial of any wrongdoing.
“I have endeavoured, throughout my tenure as President, not only to abide by my oath but to set an example of respect for the Constitution, for its institutions, for due process and the law. I categorically deny that I have violated this oath in any way, and I similarly deny that I am guilty of any of the allegations made against me,” the president said.
The presidency further confirmed that Ramaphosa has, since the release of the report, postponed all political engagements and is “giving consideration to the report and an announcement will be made in due course.”
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, in an interview with 702 Radio, confirmed Ramaphosa will address the nation on Phala Phala, albeit no date or time has yet been revealed. A live stream link to Ramaphosa’s address will be added below as soon as it becomes available.
Phala Phala Gate: Here’s what happens next
As raucous reactions continue to pile in on the fate of Ramaphosa, opposition parties have increased calls for the president to step aside. Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen held a media presentation on Thursday, where he confirmed the party has tabled a motion to dissolve parliament and bring early elections.
“I will table this Motion in the National Assembly, and I will call on all members of the House, regardless of party or affiliation, to support it so that we can urgently close this chapter and get back to dealing with SA’s many challenges,” Steenhuisen said.
The EFF also chimed in with a fiery statement, condemning Ramaphosa for “[abandoning] the question and answer session scheduled with the national council of provinces (NCOP).”
“The EFF cautions Ramaphosa and advises him that he cannot hide forever. His best course of action remains immediate resignation because he will never know peace in any sitting of Parliament because the EFF will never allow a money launderer, kidnapper, torturer and constitutional delinquent to address the people of this country,” the party exclaimed.
Following Wednesday’s shocking developments, the Section 89 report must be adopted by the House before the next step, which is the development of an impeachment committee, per Daily Maverick.
A question that lingers is the ANC’s position in this important step. If the ruling party votes in favour of the report, it will most likely implode with internal fighting. However, if the ANC shows votes against the report’s adoption, the party risks faltering its efforts of regaining the public’s confidence.
Of course, another eventuality exists. Ramaphosa could avoid further probes into Phala Phala Gate and tender his resignation, and according to News24, the president has most certainly considered this route as a fitting response to the scandal.