Johannesburg, South Africa
CNN
—
After days of speculation, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa appears ready to counter calls for his resignation.
His spokesman, Vincent Magwenya, said Ramaphosa would not resign “based on the flawed report” and “nor will he resign.”
“The president has taken to heart the clear message from the ruling party branch that has nominated him to utilize him for a second term of leadership at the ANC[African National Congress],” added Magwenya.
Before the report was released, it was widely expected that Ramaphosa would win a second term as ANC leader. The head of the ANC and his leadership will hold a meeting in the next few hours. Ramaphosa’s fate is likely to top the agenda.
Ramaphosa himself has not issued an official statement since the report was released.
Ramaphosa was elected to root out corruption but is under investigation in an ongoing scandal involving the theft of more than $500,000 in cash from his private gaming farm in 2020.
A commission led by the former Chief Justice found that the crime had not been reported to police and that there was a “deliberate decision to keep the investigation secret.”
Arthur Fraser, a former South African spy chief, claimed the theft occurred with the complicity of domestic workers and that the theft was covered up from the police and the Revenue Service. Report to investigationsaid Ramaphosa paid the perpetrators for their silence.
Ramaphosa claims the cash was sold to a Sudanese businessman at his farafala farm, and the theft was reported to the president’s security chief.
The president also disputes Fraser’s claim that more than $4 million was hidden on his farm.
“Some people slander me and my money. I want to assure you that this is all from the income I get from selling animals. I have never done that, and never will,” he said in June, when he became a member of the ruling African National Congress (ANC). said while giving a speech.
He was a renowned owner and trader of rare buffaloes, cows and other wildlife, and became a millionaire through his private buffalo farm.
The panel found that Ramaphosa’s submitted explanation was still not sufficient and that he may have violated the Constitution and his oath of office by earning a second income as president.
The ANC’s top leaders are set to discuss the report, and although the party has rules to “take a step” against misconduct, ANC national spokesperson Pule Mabe told local television that it would be “criminally charged.” He said it would apply only to those who were
Ramaphosa was recently blessed at Buckingham Palace on his first official visit hosted by King Charles, but closer to home, the scandal threatened to end his political career and the country’s political circles threatened to see him step down. Speculation swirls that it is sexual.
The election conference to choose the ANC leader is scheduled to take place in mid-December, but could be dominated by presidential troubles.
South Africa’s official opposition leaders immediately called for impeachment proceedings and early elections.
“The report is clear and unambiguous. President Ramaphosa most likely violated a number of constitutional provisions and is open to rebuttal. We need to provide a much better and more comprehensive account than what was offered,” said John Steenheisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance.
The commission was appointed by the Speaker of Parliament after motions from smaller opposition parties.
Parliament will consider the report and may initiate impeachment proceedings, but the ANC holds the majority of seats.
Ramaphosa took office after his predecessor, Jacob Zuma, was forced to resign over multiple allegations of corruption.
Former trade union chairman and business billionaire Ramaphosa has repeatedly said that fighting corruption is a priority in his presidency.
But the ANC, by all accounts, has been divided by factional politics during his tenure. Some of Zuma’s supporters have openly called for Ramaphosa’s resignation.
Shortly after the report’s findings were released, Ramaphosa’s office repeated his statement to the panel. For due process and law. I categorically deny that I have violated this oath in any way, and I likewise deny being guilty of any allegations made against me. ”