The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed speculation that he may resign, saying he will remain in office and legally challenge a report that could trigger impeachment proceedings against him.
Ramaphosa made the remarks on Monday after a ruling by South Africa’s Constitutional Court last week found that Parliament acted unconstitutionally when it previously rejected a move to establish an impeachment inquiry linked to the Phala Phala matter.
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The controversy, known as the Phala Phala scandal, involves allegations that large sums of cash were stolen from the president’s game farm in 2020. An independent panel later concluded there was prima facie evidence suggesting possible misconduct in how Ramaphosa handled the incident.
The president has consistently denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the money in question came from a legitimate sale of buffalo from his farming operations.
Following the court ruling, Parliament is now expected to reconsider whether to proceed with impeachment processes based on the panel’s findings.
However, Ramaphosa has announced that he will challenge the report in court, arguing that it is based on unreliable and hearsay evidence.
“I remain here and am not resigning,” he said, putting an end to growing political speculation about his future.
If Parliament proceeds, the report could form the foundation of opposition efforts to push for his removal from office.
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Political analyst Professor Richard Calland noted that while Ramaphosa is likely to survive any parliamentary vote, his legal challenge may be aimed at preventing a full impeachment hearing that could damage his political standing and legacy.
