“I Will Not Resign”: Ramaphosa Breaks Silence On Impeachment Threat

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed growing calls for his resignation following renewed pressure over the controversial Phala Phala scandal, insisting that he has no intention of leaving office.

Speaking on Monday, Ramaphosa said he would challenge in court a recent Constitutional Court ruling that reopened the possibility of impeachment proceedings against him.

The judgment found that Parliament acted unlawfully when it previously decided not to establish an impeachment inquiry linked to the Phala Phala matter in 2022.

“I am staying on and I will not resign,” Ramaphosa declared, putting an end to speculation about his political future.

The scandal centres on the theft of a large amount of foreign currency hidden inside furniture at the president’s Phala Phala game farm. Critics questioned both the source of the money and the manner in which the incident was handled.

An independent panel earlier concluded there was prima facie evidence suggesting Ramaphosa may have violated the Constitution and committed misconduct.

However, the president has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the cash came from the legal sale of buffalo through his farming business.

The Constitutional Court ruled that Parliament should have properly considered an impeachment inquiry instead of dismissing the matter outright. Ramaphosa now plans to seek a judicial review of the panel’s findings, arguing that parts of the report were based on hearsay evidence.

Should Parliament proceed with impeachment discussions, opposition parties are expected to use the report as the foundation for attempts to remove him from office.

Political analyst Professor Richard Calland believes Ramaphosa is still likely to survive any parliamentary vote, although he noted that the president’s legal challenge may also be an effort to avoid a politically damaging impeachment hearing that could tarnish his legacy.