South African President Ramaphosa Rejects Calls to Resign After Constitutional Court Ruling on Phala Phala Scandal

President Cyril Ramaphosa said Monday evening he will not resign following last week's Constitutional Court judgment linked to the 2020 theft at his Phala Phala farm. Addressing the nation at the Union Buildings in Tshwane, Ramaphosa stated that nothing in the ruling compels him to step down.

He argued that resigning would preempt a constitutional process, give credence to a flawed panel report and abdicate the responsibilities he assumed upon becoming president. "I, therefore, respectfully want to make it clear that I will not resign," Ramaphosa said.

" The Constitutional Court on Friday ruled that certain National Assembly rules governing the removal of a president are inconsistent with the Constitution. The matter traces back to a February 2020 theft at Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm in Limpopo province.

An independent panel appointed by the National Assembly in September 2022 found prima facie evidence that the president may have committed serious misconduct and violated the Constitution. In December 2022 the National Assembly voted against referring the report to an impeachment committee.

The court has now set aside that vote and ordered the report referred to Parliament's Impeachment Committee.

He announced plans to seek judicial review of the independent panel's report on an expedited basis, citing what he described as grave flaws. "On the basis of advice from my legal team and as envisaged by the Constitutional Court when it said 'unless and until the report is set aside on review,' I have therefore decided to proceed to take the independent panel's report on review," he said.

The president stressed that the court made no findings on his alleged conduct, whether prima facie evidence of misconduct existed or whether any such conduct would justify impeachment and removal from office.

Ramaphosa has maintained since a criminal complaint was filed against him in June 2022 that he did not steal public money, commit any crime or violate his oath of office. He said he has cooperated fully with all mandated investigations into the matter.

The scandal first surfaced four years ago and at one point led Ramaphosa to consider resigning. The current proceedings stem from the theft of foreign currency hidden in furniture at his private game farm. Ramaphosa reflected on progress made during his eight years in office.

He cited implementation of the State Capture Commission recommendations, recovery of stolen funds and intensified efforts against organised crime and corruption. He said he remains committed to serving South Africans and advancing their interests. "There is still much work to be done," Ramaphosa added.

>"I fully intend to continue serving the people of South Africa and to advance their interests. za) The judgment returns the Phala Phala matter to Parliament's impeachment process. Ramaphosa's decision to challenge the panel report in court is expected to delay any further legislative action pending the outcome of that review.