Johannesburg, South Africa
CNN
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After days of speculation, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa looks set to fight for his resignation despite a damning report that found he may have covered up the theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars at his private game farm.
His spokesman, Vincent Magwenya, said that Ramaphosa would not resign “on the basis of erroneous reports”, and that “nor is he stepping aside.”
“The president has heeded the clear message coming from the governing party branches that nominated him for a second term at the leadership of the ANC (African National Congress),” Magwenya said.
Prior to the release of the report, it was widely expected that Ramaphosa would win a second term as ANC leader. A meeting of the ANC’s top leadership is expected in the coming hours. Ramaphosa’s fate is likely to top the agenda.
Ramaphosa himself has not made any public statements since the release of the report.
Ramaphosa was elected to root out corruption, but in 2020 he is being investigated in an ongoing scandal involving the theft of more than $500,000 in cash from his private game farm. As per the panel’s probe, the cash was stuffed inside a leather sofa.
The former chief justice-led panel found that the crime was not reported to the police and “deliberately decided to keep the investigation secret”.
Former South African Detective Chief Arthur Fraser alleged that the theft was in collusion with a domestic servant and claimed that the theft was concealed from the police and revenue service. Fraser, whose charges were detailed a report in the investigationRamaphosa said the culprits were paid for their silence.
Ramaphosa has said that the cash was from the sale of buffalo at his Fala Fala farm to a Sudanese businessman and that the theft was reported to the head of presidential security.
The president also refutes Fraser’s claims that the amount hidden in his ranch was more than $4 million.
“Some people are making objections about me and money. I want to assure you that all this was money from the proceeds from the sale of animals. I have not stolen money from anywhere. Be it from our taxpayers, be it from anyone. I never did it. And I will never do so,” he said while addressing members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party in June this year.
He is a renowned owner and trader of rare buffalo, cattle and other wildlife, and has become a multi-millionaire through his private buffalo farm.
The panel found that the explanations submitted by Ramaphosa were not yet sufficient and that he could be violating the constitution and his oath of office by having a second income as president.
Top ANC leaders are set to discuss the report and while the party has a “one step apart” rule for misconduct, ANC national spokesman Pule Mbe told local television that it only applied to people who “Criminal Charges”.
Ramaphosa had recently been brought to Buckingham Palace on the first state visit hosted by King Charles, but closer to home, scandal threatened to end his political career, with speculation swirling in political circles in the country that he would seek the post. can leave.
The ANC’s alternative conference to choose its leadership is due to take place in mid-December, but it is likely to be dominated by presidential trouble.
South Africa’s official opposition leader called for immediate impeachment proceedings and early elections.
“The report is clear and unambiguous. President Ramaphosa has violated several constitutional provisions and he has a case to answer. His conduct should lead to impeachment proceedings, and we have yet to do so,” said John Steenhusen, leader of the Democratic Alliance. A far better, more comprehensive explanation has to be given than the one given.”
The panel was appointed by the Speaker of Parliament following a proposal from a small opposition party.
The National Assembly will consider the report and may start impeachment proceedings – although the ANC holds a majority of seats.
Ramaphosa took office after his predecessor, Jacob Zuma, was forced to resign due to multiple corruption allegations.
A former trade union chief and multi-millionaire from his business career, Ramaphosa has repeatedly said that fighting corruption is a priority for his presidency.
But during his tenure the ANC split due to factionalism. Some allies of former President Zuma are now openly calling for Ramaphosa to step down.
Shortly after the report’s findings were released, Ramaphosa’s office reiterated its statement to the panel, “I have endeavored, throughout my tenure as president, to not only abide by my oath but be an example of respect for the Constitution.” to establish, to its institutions, due process and law. I categorically deny that I have violated this oath in any way, and I similarly deny that I I am guilty of any charge.