President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected calls for his resignation following a Constitutional Court ruling that revived scrutiny over Parliament’s handling of the Section 89 panel report linked to the Phala Phala matter.
The Constitutional Court ruled that the National Assembly acted unlawfully in December 2022 when it voted to dismiss the independent panel’s findings. The decision reopened parliamentary consideration of the report, which could still lead to further steps toward an impeachment inquiry. The case originates from allegations in 2022 involving the theft of foreign currency from Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo, raising questions about possible misconduct and prompting an independent review.
Ramaphosa addressed the nation on May 11th, firmly stating that he would remain in office despite growing political pressure. He declared, “I want to make it clear that I am not resigning,” emphasizing that stepping down would undermine constitutional processes. He also noted that the court made no findings of misconduct against him and did not conclude that there were grounds for impeachment based on his conduct.
The president clarified that the ruling reaffirmed legal procedures, including the right to challenge the panel’s report through review. He indicated that his legal team had advised him to restart the review process, describing the move as consistent with constitutional principles rather than defiance. “To do so would be to pre-empt a process defined by the Constitution,” he remarked.
Addressing the allegations, Ramaphosa reiterated that he has not engaged in any criminal conduct and has cooperated fully with all inquiries. He maintained that approximately $580,000 in cash, which he said came from the sale of buffalo, was stolen from his farm. He denied wrongdoing and has not faced any criminal charges in relation to the incident.
He further pointed to ongoing government efforts to strengthen institutions and combat corruption, stating that stability and continued governance are necessary during a challenging period.
Ramaphosa concluded by reaffirming his intention to complete his mandate and continue serving the country, emphasizing his commitment to constitutional order and national development.
