South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated on Monday that he would not resign, despite renewed calls following a Constitutional Court ruling that revived impeachment proceedings against him. The scandal, dubbed “Farmgate,” involves a 2020 theft of foreign currency from his Phala Phala game farm, raising questions about the source and declaration of the large sum of cash allegedly hidden in a sofa.
Scandal Revived by Court Ruling
The Constitutional Court’s decision last week invalidated a prior parliamentary vote that had blocked impeachment proceedings. This ruling compels a further investigation into the allegations surrounding the theft and the president’s handling of the undeclared foreign currency.
Ramaphosa addressed the nation in a televised speech, acknowledging the court’s decision but asserting that it does not mandate his resignation. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing since the scandal first emerged in 2022.
Background of the ‘Farmgate’ Scandal
The “Farmgate” scandal has cast a shadow over Ramaphosa’s presidency, particularly given his ascent to power on a platform of fighting corruption and reforming the ruling African National Congress (ANC). The theft, which Ramaphosa claims amounted to $580,000, was reportedly discovered by thieves who accessed his Phala Phala ranch.
However, a former intelligence official has suggested the stolen amount could be as high as $4 million. The key questions revolve around the origin of such a large amount of cash, whether it was properly declared to authorities, and the unusual decision to store it in furniture rather than a bank.
Ramaphosa, a successful businessman before entering politics, has explained the funds as proceeds from the sale of buffalo. A prior investigation by the South African Reserve Bank found that he had not violated exchange control regulations.
Political Pressure Mounts
The timing of the revived impeachment proceedings is particularly challenging for Ramaphosa and the ANC, with municipal elections scheduled for November. Political analysts suggest the party was already anticipated to perform poorly in these elections, and the scandal adds further pressure.
“The timing couldn’t really be worse… from an ANC perspective,” commented independent political analyst Daniel Silke, highlighting the potential impact on voter sentiment.
In response to the developments, the ANC has convened a special meeting of its National Executive Committee for Tuesday to deliberate on the party’s strategy and stance regarding the scandal.
Impeachment Prospects and Political Maneuvering
Despite the revived impeachment proceedings, analysts believe Ramaphosa is likely to survive a formal vote in parliament. An impeachment vote requires a two-thirds majority, and while the ANC lost its overall majority in the recent 2024 elections, it still commands approximately 40% of the seats in the National Assembly.
Adding to the political maneuvering, former President Jacob Zuma’s party, uMkhonto weSizwe, has formally requested a vote of no confidence against Ramaphosa. The Speaker of the National Assembly has yet to respond publicly to this request.
A vote of no confidence requires only a simple majority to succeed. However, analysts predict it is unlikely to pass, as Ramaphosa is expected to retain the support of the majority of ANC lawmakers and key coalition partners, including the Democratic Alliance.
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will be critical as the ANC deliberates its next steps and as parliamentary committees potentially re-engage with the impeachment process. The public and political landscape will be closely watching how these developments unfold and their impact on South Africa’s political stability and the fight against corruption.
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