On Tuesday, Parliament will discuss the Phala Phala report. If it passes, President Cyril Ramaphosa will face an impeachment investigation.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (C) waves as he arrives in Cape Town for a walkabout and meet-and-greet around the Philippi community on December 10, 2022. The possibility of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's imminent removal from office over a cash-in-sofas scandal has receded for the time being, with his party vowing to rally around him in next week's impeachment vote, but his problems are far from finished. (Photo courtesy of GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP)
President Cyril Ramaphosa was scheduled to address the country about the findings against him in the Section 89 Independent Panel's report on Thursday night, 1 December. On Monday, December 5, it was revealed that he had requested that the report be examined by the Constitutional Court.
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The study addresses the claims levelled against Ramaphosa in connection with the 2020 Phala Phala burglary. The President allegedly concealed thousands of rands in US dollars at his property and launched a private probe when the money was taken.
The panel established prima facie evidence that the President broke his oath of office. "In all the circumstances," the report stated, "we believe that the information given to the Panel, prima facie, demonstrates that the President may be guilty of a significant breach of certain articles of the constitution."
The report will be debated in the National Assembly on Tuesday, December 6, and if it is accepted, Ramaphosa would face an impeachment investigation.
Given his party's representation in Parliament, his chances of impeachment are limited. The ANC controls 230 seats in the National Assembly, accounting for over 60% of the total.
Ramaphosa reportedly pondered numerous alternatives on Thursday, including resignation. Those close to him allegedly persuaded him to postpone his decision.
A meeting of the ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) scheduled for Thursday has been rescheduled for Friday. It will be held in Nasrec, which will also host the party's National Elective Conference later this month.
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