South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Tuesday he will not resign, after a court ruling last week revived impeachment proceedings over the Phala Phala cash theft scandal at his private farm. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Ramaphosa said he would challenge the report tied to the impeachment process in court or on review. He also denied wrongdoing, saying he was not involved in any criminal conduct and that the money came from the sale of buffalo or game. In one statement, he said: "I remain here and am not resigning," and later added: "I therefore respectfully want to make it clear that I will not resign." [1, 3, 4, 5]
The scandal centers on cash stolen in 2020 from Ramaphosa’s farm, where burglars allegedly found money hidden in furniture or a sofa. The case became public in 2022, when an independent parliamentary panel said there was prima facie evidence that he may have committed serious misconduct. [1, 4, 6, 5]
Lawmakers had previously blocked impeachment efforts, but the court ruling on May 8 reopened the process. Parliament will now have to deal again with the report that had been set aside. [1, 3, 4, 6, 5]
The African National Congress has called a special meeting of its National Executive Committee to discuss the situation. Analysts said the scandal could hurt Ramaphosa’s standing, even if he survives any parliamentary vote. Bloomberg said markets initially shrugged off the impeachment threat. [2, 3, 4, 6]
Ramaphosa addressed the nation on May 12, and the next key political test is the ANC meeting as the party weighs its response to the revived impeachment process. [2, 3, 4]
