President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that he will not step down following the Constitutional Court ruling related to the Phala Phala matter, stating that he intends to challenge the judgment through a review process.
The Constitutional Court recently ruled that the National Assembly’s December 2022 vote to block a Section 89 impeachment inquiry into the Phala Phala case was unconstitutional and invalid. The judgment directs Parliament to amend its impeachment rules and refer the independent panel’s report to an impeachment committee for further proceedings.
Addressing the nation on Monday (11/5) evening, Ramaphosa said, “I therefore respectfully want to make it clear that I will not resign,” adding that he respects the judiciary but believes the matter should be reconsidered through the appropriate legal channels.
“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. I fully intend to continue serving the people of South Africa and to advance their interests. There is still much work to be done.”
The ruling has sparked renewed political pressure on the president, with opposition parties calling for him to step aside while the parliamentary process unfolds. Ramaphosa, however, maintained that he remains committed to carrying out his duties as president while pursuing a legal review of the decision.
“The judgment has given rise to much commentary, debate and speculation. There has been much concern and uncertainty in the country over the last few days following the delivery of the Constitutional Court Judgement. When I assumed the office of President of the Republic of South Africa, I said that it was a responsibility that I would discharge with the greatest of care.”
The Phala Phala case stems from the 2020 theft of more than $500 000 (over R8 million at the time) from Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo.
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion
