Ramaphosa defies pressure, declares he will not resign after Phala Phala heist court ruling

Africa, Crime Diary

TSHWANE, South Africa (NPA) — President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared he will not resign following last week’s Constitutional Court judgment on the Section 89 impeachment process linked to the 2020 theft at his Phala Phala farm.

Speaking at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Monday evening, Ramaphosa insisted that nothing in the ruling compels him to step down, stressing that resignation would undermine constitutional processes and derail efforts to rebuild South Africa’s institutions. “I will not resign. To do so would be to preempt a process defined by the Constitution… 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,” he said.

The Constitutional Court had ruled that certain aspects of the National Assembly’s rules on presidential removal were unconstitutional, setting aside the Assembly’s 2022 vote that blocked referral of an independent panel’s report to an impeachment committee. That report had suggested prima facie evidence of misconduct, but Ramaphosa emphasized that the Court made no findings regarding his conduct. He announced plans to seek a judicial review of the panel’s report, describing it as flawed.

Ramaphosa reiterated his commitment to the Constitution, the independence of the judiciary, and the rule of law, while maintaining that he has not committed any crime or violated his oath of office. He noted that since a criminal complaint was filed in June 2022, he has cooperated fully with all investigations. “I have not stolen public money, committed any crime, nor violated my oath of office,” he said.

The President argued that stepping down now would derail progress in rebuilding institutions, fighting corruption, and advancing economic recovery. He pointed to achievements since taking office, including implementing recommendations of the State Capture Commission, recovering stolen funds, and intensifying the fight against organised crime. “We are implementing the recommendations of the State Capture Commission and those responsible for wrongdoing against our people are being dealt with,” he added.

Despite challenges, Ramaphosa expressed optimism about South Africa’s future, pledging to continue strengthening democratic institutions and safeguarding the rule of law. “Guided by the rule of law and the principle of accountability, I intend to fulfil and complete the mandate that you, the people, have given me. I remain here and I am not resigning,” he concluded.

The Phala Phala farm scandal centres on a February 2020 burglary at the private game farm of Cyril Ramaphosa in Limpopo, where large sums of foreign currency were allegedly stolen, triggering allegations of misconduct and cover-up.

The controversy became public in June 2022 after former State Security Agency chief, Arthur Fraser, filed criminal complaints alleging that about $4 million in undeclared foreign currency hidden inside furniture had been stolen from the farm.

Fraser further accused Ramaphosa of failing to officially report the incident to law enforcement authorities.

Ramaphosa acknowledged that a burglary took place at the farm but maintained that the money represented legitimate proceeds from the sale of Ankole cattle to a Sudanese businessman.

Opposition parties, however, questioned whether the funds had been properly declared to the South African Reserve Bank and accused the president of concealing details surrounding the incident.

The allegations subsequently triggered investigations by Parliament, the Public Protector and security agencies in South Africa.

In September 2022, an independent panel appointed by the National Assembly concluded that there was prima facie evidence suggesting Ramaphosa may have violated the constitution and committed serious misconduct.

However, lawmakers in December 2022 voted against referring the matter to an impeachment committee, a move that was later challenged in court by opposition parties.

The controversy resurfaced on May 8, 2026, after South Africa’s Constitutional Court ruled that Parliament’s decision was unconstitutional and ordered that the panel’s findings be referred to an impeachment committee.

The ruling effectively revived impeachment proceedings against the South African president.

Ramaphosa has since vowed to seek a judicial review of the panel’s findings, insisting that the Constitutional Court did not make any direct findings regarding his personal conduct and maintaining his innocence over the allegations.