Amanze Chinonye
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that he will not resign from office following last week’s Constitutional Court judgment ordering Parliament to revive impeachment proceedings linked to the controversial Phala Phala farm scandal, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a nationwide address on Monday evening, Ramaphosa said he accepted and respected the ruling of South Africa’s apex court, but maintained that the judgment did not compel him to step down as president.
The Constitutional Court ruled that the National Assembly acted improperly when it voted in December 2022 not to proceed with an impeachment inquiry against Ramaphosa after an independent panel found there may have been grounds for a case to answer over the 2020 theft at his Phala Phala farm.
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The court set aside Parliament’s earlier decision and ordered that the independent panel’s report be referred to an impeachment committee for further consideration.
Addressing the nation, Ramaphosa said the ruling was based on flaws in parliamentary rules rather than any finding of wrongdoing against him.
“The Constitutional Court made no finding of any kind regarding my alleged conduct,” he said. “The Court made no finding on whether there was prima facie evidence of misconduct, nor if the alleged conduct, if established, justifies impeachment and the removal of the President.”
Ramaphosa reiterated that he had not stolen public funds, committed any crime or violated his oath of office, insisting he had cooperated fully with all investigations and inquiries into the matter since allegations first emerged in 2022.
The South African leader also disclosed that he would seek a judicial review of the independent panel’s report, arguing that the findings were legally and factually flawed.
“On the basis of advice from my legal team … I have therefore decided to proceed to take the independent panel’s report on review on an expeditious basis,” he said.
He argued that resigning at this stage would amount to prejudging a constitutional process that is still unfolding.
“To resign now would be to give in to those who seek to reverse the renewal of our society, the rebuilding of our institutions and the prosecution of corruption,” Ramaphosa declared.
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The president further defended his administration’s record, citing efforts to rebuild state institutions, prosecute corruption, recover stolen public funds and combat organised crime.
He said his government remained focused on economic recovery, job creation and implementing recommendations from the State Capture Commission.
Ramaphosa concluded the address by pledging to complete his mandate and continue serving South Africans while respecting constitutional processes and the rule of law.
The Phala Phala controversy stems from the theft of a large sum of foreign currency hidden at Ramaphosa’s private game farm in Limpopo in February 2020.
Opposition parties and critics accused the president of possible misconduct and failing to properly report the incident, allegations he has consistently denied.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
