South Africa's Ramaphosa says he will not resign over Phala Phala scandal
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said he will not resign despite renewed political pressure and calls from opposition parties for his impeachment over the Phala Phala farm scandal.
Speaking amid growing scrutiny, Ramaphosa rejected demands for him to step down.
“I therefore respectfully want to make it clear that I will not resign,” he said.
His remarks followed a ruling by the Constitutional Court last week that parliament acted “unconstitutionally” when it voted against establishing an impeachment inquiry linked to a 2022 independent panel report.
“Instead, the Constitutional Court judgment reinforces the principles, the rights and processes underpinning our constitutional order. This explicitly includes the right to take the report of the independent panel on review,” Ramaphosa added.
The president also defended his government’s anti-corruption efforts, highlighting ongoing investigations and reforms within state institutions.
“We are implementing the recommendations of the State Capture Commission,” Ramaphosa stated, adding that authorities were continuing efforts to address organised crime, corruption, and abuses within security structures.
The Phala Phala case relates to the reported theft of large sums of cash allegedly hidden inside furniture at Ramaphosa’s private game farm in 2020. Reports stated that around $580,000 was stolen from a sofa at the property.
Questions have been raised about the origin of the money and how the burglary was reported and handled. Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
