Ramaphosa Refuses Resignation as Court Revives Impeachment Probe
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has refused to resign after the Constitutional Court revived impeachment proceedings regarding the "Phala Phala" scandal, involving undeclared foreign currency stolen from his farm. The court ruled that Parliament’s 2022 decision to block the inquiry was unconstitutional. Ramaphosa plans to legally challenge the independent panel’s report while facing a new parliamentary impeachment committee. This development intensifies political instability for the ruling ANC and its coalition government, threatening public confidence and electoral prospects amid allegations of misconduct and failure to report the theft.
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South Africa's Ramaphosa Faces Revived Impeachment Over Farmgate Cash Scandal
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing revived impeachment proceedings after the Constitutional Court ruled that a 2022 parliamentary vote to dismiss the scandal was procedurally invalid. The 'Farmgate' scandal involves approximately $580,000 in U.S. cash stolen from a sofa cushion at Ramaphosa's game farm in 2020. An independent panel found initial evidence of serious misconduct, including failure to properly report the theft and unclear sourcing of the money. Ramaphosa claims the funds came from a legitimate buffalo sale. Despite losing its outright majority in 2024, Ramaphosa's African National Congress (ANC) still holds enough seats to block the two-thirds majority needed for impeachment. Ramaphosa has filed court papers challenging the panel's findings and says he will not resign. He is serving his final term, due to end in 2029.
Fortune | FORTUNESouth African President Ramaphosa Faces Impeachment Over 'Farmgate' Scandal
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa faces potential impeachment following a Constitutional Court ruling that declared parliament's 2022 decision to block an investigation into the 'Farmgate scandal' unconstitutional. The controversy centers on a 2020 incident at Ramaphosa’s private Phala Phala farm, where a significant sum of cash was stolen from a sofa. While Ramaphosa claims the money, approximately half a million euros, was legitimate proceeds from cattle sales, critics allege it amounts to four million euros and accuse him of tax evasion and money laundering. Despite previous internal investigations clearing him, a parliamentary committee now has grounds to recommend impeachment, requiring a two-thirds majority vote. Ramaphosa has refused to resign, pledging cooperation while challenging the findings in court. The scandal intensifies during South Africa’s election campaign, severely impacting the ruling ANC party, which has lost its absolute majority and faces internal factional strife. Opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance and the EFF, are leveraging the situation to demand accountability, though they lack a unified strategy. The outcome poses a significant test for South Africa’s democratic institutions and judicial independence.
DiePresse.com - HomeRamaphosa Refuses to Resign Over Phala Phala Scandal Amid Constitutional Court Ruling
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed he will not resign over the Phala Phala scandal, following a Constitutional Court ruling that declared the National Assembly's previous blockage of impeachment proceedings unlawful. In a national address on May 11, 2026, Ramaphosa announced plans to file an urgent judicial review against the Section 89 Independent Panel Report, citing legal errors and unfounded factual conclusions. The court had invalidated Rule 129I, prompting Speaker Thoko Didiza to initiate the impeachment committee process simultaneously. The scandal involves approximately $580,000 in foreign currency stolen from Ramaphosa’s Limpopo farm in 2020. Political tensions are escalating as opposition parties, including the EFF and ActionSA, demand swift parliamentary action, while the ANC leadership remains supportive. This political crisis has impacted financial markets, with the rand weakening and the JSE Top 40 declining. The situation poses a significant test for South Africa’s Government of National Unity coalition, dominating the continent's news cycle alongside developments in Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria.
The Rio TimesSouth Africa's Ramaphosa Faces Impeachment Over 'Farmgate' Scandal
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing renewed impeachment proceedings regarding the 'Farmgate' scandal, involving the theft of $580,000 in foreign cash from his Phala Phala ranch. Although parliament initially voted against impeachment in late 2022, the Constitutional Court revived the process in May 2026 after a challenge by the Economic Freedom Fighters party. The National Assembly must now establish an independent committee to investigate allegations that Ramaphosa violated his oath of office by failing to properly declare the funds. If the committee recommends removal, a two-thirds majority vote in parliament is required for impeachment. Ramaphosa, leading a coalition government with the Democratic Alliance, denies wrongdoing and plans to challenge the panel's report in court, potentially delaying proceedings. Concurrently, opposition parties have submitted motions of no confidence, which require only a simple majority to pass. While the African National Congress holds significant seats, Ramaphosa relies on coalition support to survive. Should he be removed, Deputy President Paul Mashatile would not automatically succeed him; instead, parliament would elect a new president via secret ballot. This political crisis tests the stability of South Africa's coalition government and constitutional processes.
The Straits Times World NewsSouth African President Ramaphosa Refuses to Resign Amid Cash Scandal
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly rejected calls to resign following a Constitutional Court ruling that revived impeachment proceedings related to a cash scandal at his private farm. In a televised address, Ramaphosa insisted he committed no crime, stole no public money, and violated no oath of office. He argued that stepping down would pre-empt constitutional processes and validate a flawed parliamentary report, which he plans to challenge via judicial review. The controversy stems from the alleged theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars in foreign currency from his Phala Phala wildlife farm in 2020. While former security chief Arthur Fraser accused the president of covering up a larger sum, Ramaphosa maintains the funds were from buffalo sales. The Constitutional Court recently declared the National Assembly's previous refusal to pursue impeachment unconstitutional, ordering lawmakers to establish an impeachment committee. Opposition parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters, have intensified demands for his departure. Despite the political pressure and the ANC's loss of its parliamentary majority in 2024, Ramaphosa affirmed his commitment to cooperating with mandated institutions while remaining in office.
RT - Daily newsSouth African President Ramaphosa Refuses to Resign Amid Impeachment Proceedings
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly stated he will not resign despite renewed impeachment proceedings triggered by a recent Constitutional Court ruling. The court declared it unconstitutional for parliament to have previously blocked impeachment inquiries in 2022 regarding the Phala Phala farm scandal, where millions in undeclared cash were found hidden on his property. In a televised address, Ramaphosa emphasized stability and constitutional respect, urging against using parliamentary processes to destabilize institutions. However, the political landscape has shifted significantly since the 2024 elections, with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) losing its absolute majority. Achieving the required two-thirds majority for impeachment is now more feasible, depending heavily on the stance of the Democratic Alliance (DA), the ANC's coalition partner. While the DA previously opposed impeachment, its leader indicated a willingness to work constructively in the new committee, signaling potential vulnerability for Ramaphosa. The ANC faces a dilemma: support a weakened president into local elections or force his resignation to preserve party stability, echoing past removals of former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma.
taz.de - taz.deRamaphosa Vows to Stay, Challenges Impeachment Report Legally
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly declared his intention to remain in office, rejecting calls for his resignation amidst an emerging impeachment crisis. He plans to legally challenge a parliamentary report that paves the way for impeachment proceedings concerning the theft of significant cash sums from his private Phala Phala farm. This development follows a recent Constitutional Court ruling which determined that parliament acted unconstitutionally by previously voting against establishing an impeachment inquiry into the matter. An independent panel had earlier found prima facie evidence of serious misconduct regarding Ramaphosa's handling of the incident, though the President denies any wrongdoing, asserting the funds originated from a legitimate buffalo sale. Ramaphosa argues the current report relies on hearsay evidence and seeks to have it set aside by the courts. While political analysts suggest he may survive a parliamentary vote, the legal maneuver aims to avoid the reputational damage of a public impeachment hearing. The situation remains a focal point of political tension in South Africa as opposition parties prepare to utilize the report as grounds for removal efforts.
The NamibianRamaphosa Refuses to Resign, Challenges Phala Phala Report Legally
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly declared he will not resign amidst the ongoing Phala Phala scandal, despite increasing political pressure and calls for his departure. Following a Constitutional Court ruling that mandated the tabling of a parliamentary panel's report for potential impeachment proceedings, Ramaphosa announced his intention to seek a legal review of the document. He argues the report contains grievous flaws and relies on hearsay evidence, asserting that resigning would validate these errors. Legal experts indicate that the judicial review process could take up to a year and may run parallel to any impeachment committee sittings. The controversy centers on the theft of approximately $580,000 from the President's farm. Complicating matters further, recent reports suggest the stolen amount may be higher than initially disclosed, and allegations of hush money offers have emerged. Ramaphosa maintains his innocence, stating he has not stolen public funds or committed crimes, while emphasizing his commitment to cooperating with authorities and upholding the rule of law during this period of national uncertainty.
The NamibianRamaphosa Launches Legal Review to Stall Phala Phala Impeachment
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has initiated a legal review of the Section 89 independent panel report regarding the Phala Phala scandal, aiming to delay potential impeachment proceedings. Following a Constitutional Court ruling that declared previous National Assembly rules unconstitutional and ordered the referral of the report to an impeachment committee, Ramaphosa’s legal team is challenging the findings in a lower court. The President argues this step is necessary to ensure factual and legal accuracy, though critics view it as a tactic to avoid public humiliation. The independent panel previously found that Ramaphosa had a case to answer concerning $580,000 in cash stolen from his farm. While the review process could take up to a year, it may run parallel to the formation of an impeachment committee. National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has outlined procedural steps to implement the court's judgment, including tabling the report and constituting the committee. This move revives a previously abandoned legal challenge, leveraging the sub judice rule to potentially limit parliamentary debate on the matter until the courts reach a final decision.
The NamibianSouth Africa's Ramaphosa Refuses to Resign Amid Cash Scandal Impeachment Push
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly declared that he will not resign from office despite the South African Parliament's decision to establish an impeachment committee regarding the 'cash heist' scandal. This development follows a recent Constitutional Court order overturning the previous rejection of a 2022 parliamentary report, which alleged that Ramaphosa concealed the theft of $580,000 in foreign currency from his Phala Phala farmhouse. In a televised address, Ramaphosa stated that resigning would preempt constitutional processes and validate a report he claims contains grave flaws. He intends to challenge the impeachment proceedings in court. The scandal involves accusations that the President hid funds, allegedly from buffalo sales, inside furniture and failed to report the break-in to police. While Ramaphosa's African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority in the 2024 elections, surviving impeachment still requires a two-thirds vote in Parliament. The case was reignited by a complaint from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, leading to the current legal and political confrontation as the multi-party coalition government navigates this significant constitutional crisis.
Deutsche WelleSouth Africa's Ramaphosa Refuses to Resign Amid Cash Scandal Impeachment Push
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly declared that he will not resign from office despite the South African Parliament's decision to establish an impeachment committee regarding the 'Farmgate' cash scandal. In a televised address, Ramaphosa stated that stepping down would preempt constitutional processes and validate a parliamentary report he claims contains grave flaws. He intends to challenge the impeachment proceedings in court. The controversy centers on allegations that Ramaphosa concealed the theft of $580,000 in foreign currency from his Phala Phala game farm in 2020. Although an independent committee previously found potential misconduct, impeachment was blocked by his party's majority at the time. However, the Constitutional Court recently overturned that decision, ordering parliament to revisit the matter following a complaint by the Economic Freedom Fighters party. With the African National Congress no longer holding a parliamentary majority after the 2024 elections, Ramaphosa now relies on a coalition government. Surviving impeachment will require him to secure support from at least two-thirds of the 400 lawmakers, a significant hurdle in the current political landscape.
Deutsche WelleSouth Africa’s President Ramaphosa Refuses to Resign After Constitutional Court Ruling
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly declared that he will not resign from office following a recent Constitutional Court judgment regarding the Section 89 impeachment process. The court ruling, linked to allegations of misconduct concerning theft at his Phala Phala farm in 2020, set aside the National Assembly's previous vote and ordered the referral of an independent panel's report to Parliament’s Impeachment Committee. Addressing the nation from the Union Buildings, Ramaphosa argued that stepping down would preempt constitutional processes and undermine efforts to renew state institutions. He emphasized that the court made no findings on his actual conduct or guilt. While accepting the judicial decision, the President announced plans to seek an expedited judicial review of the panel's report, citing grave flaws in its findings. Ramaphosa reiterated his commitment to serving South Africans, fighting corruption, and advancing economic recovery, maintaining that he has cooperated fully with all investigations and committed no wrongdoing. He framed his refusal to resign as a defense of the rule of law against political opponents seeking to reverse societal renewal.
Eurasia ReviewSouth African President Ramaphosa Refuses to Resign Amid Impeachment Calls
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly declared that he will not resign from office, ending days of intense speculation regarding his political future. This statement follows a recent Constitutional Court ruling which determined that parliament acted unconstitutionally in 2022 by dismissing an impeachment inquiry into the so-called Phala Phala scandal. The controversy involves allegations that large sums of cash were stolen from Ramaphosa's private game farm, with an independent panel finding prima facie evidence of serious misconduct in his handling of the incident. Ramaphosa denies any wrongdoing, asserting that the funds originated from the legitimate sale of buffalo. In response to the court's decision to revive the impeachment process, the President announced plans to legally challenge the underlying report in court, arguing it relies on hearsay evidence. Political analysts suggest that while Ramaphosa may survive a parliamentary vote, his legal strategy aims to avoid the reputational damage of a public impeachment hearing. The situation remains a significant political crisis in South Africa, with opposition parties poised to use the report as the basis for efforts to remove him from power if the legal challenges fail.
BBC NewsRamaphosa Refuses to Resign After Impeachment Proceedings Reinstated
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly rejected calls for his resignation following the reinstatement of impeachment proceedings against him. In a televised address to the nation, Ramaphosa responded directly to a recent ruling by the Constitutional Court issued on Friday. He asserted that the court's decision contained no legal basis or justification for his removal from office or for initiating impeachment processes. The President maintained his stance that he had acted within constitutional bounds and emphasized his commitment to continuing his duties as head of state. This development marks a significant escalation in the political crisis surrounding his administration, as the reinstatement of impeachment proceedings suggests that legislative bodies may now move forward with formal inquiries into his conduct. The situation highlights deepening political tensions within South Africa, with opposition parties likely to leverage the court's ruling to challenge his leadership. Ramaphosa's refusal to step down indicates a protracted political battle ahead, potentially impacting the stability of the governing party and the broader national political landscape as stakeholders await further legislative actions.
Vanguard NewsRamaphosa Rejects Resignation Calls Over 'Cash-in-Sofa' Scandal
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly rejected calls for his resignation following a Constitutional Court ruling that revived impeachment proceedings against him. The legal challenge stems from the so-called 'Farmgate' scandal, where thieves stole bundles of foreign currency hidden in a sofa at the President's ranch. In a televised address to the nation, Ramaphosa stated that while he respects the court's judgment, nothing in the ruling compels him to step down, and he pledged to vigorously defend himself against the allegations. This development poses a significant political embarrassment for Ramaphosa, who originally rose to power on an anti-corruption platform aimed at cleaning up the image of the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Political analysts note that the timing is particularly detrimental for the ANC, which is already anticipated to perform poorly in the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for November. The scandal, which first emerged in 2022, continues to exert rising pressure on the administration as it faces both legal scrutiny and declining public confidence ahead of critical electoral tests.
News - South China Morning PostRamaphosa Vows Not to Resign Amid Phala Phala Scandal
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly declared that he will not resign from office, addressing the renewed scrutiny surrounding the Phala Phala scandal. This controversy, involving allegations of stolen foreign currency hidden at his private game farm, has resurfaced as a significant political issue. The statement comes at a critical juncture for the ruling African National Congress (ANC) as it prepares for challenging local elections scheduled later this year. The scandal threatens to undermine public confidence in the leadership and could impact the party's electoral performance. By taking a definitive stance against resignation, Ramaphosa aims to stabilize his administration and mitigate political fallout. The situation highlights the intense pressure facing the South African government as it navigates domestic corruption allegations while attempting to maintain political stability ahead of crucial voting periods. The interplay between legal controversies and electoral strategy remains central to the current political discourse in South Africa, with opposition parties likely to leverage the scandal in their campaigns.
MoneywebSouth Africa's President Ramaphosa Rejects Resignation Amid 'Farmgate' Impeachment Probe
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly rejected calls to resign, declaring in a televised address that he will not step down despite the establishment of a parliamentary impeachment committee. This committee was formed following a high court ruling that declared a previous vote blocking impeachment proceedings unconstitutional. The controversy, known as 'Farmgate,' centers on allegations that Ramaphosa concealed the theft of approximately $4 million in foreign currency hidden in sofas at his private game farm. While the president admits money was stolen from buffalo sales, he disputes the amount and denies any wrongdoing, labeling the accusations as hearsay. He intends to legally challenge a parliamentary report citing credible evidence of misconduct, including failure to report the theft properly. Although Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority in the 2024 elections, it remains the largest party in a coalition government. His political survival now depends on maintaining support within this coalition and among ANC lawmakers as the impeachment process moves forward.
The Latest News from the UK and Around the World | Sky NewsRamaphosa Refuses to Resign Despite Constitutional Court Ruling on Phala Phala Scandal
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly declared that he will not resign following a Constitutional Court ruling that reopened the path for a parliamentary impeachment inquiry into the Phala Phala scandal. The court found that Parliament acted unlawfully in December 2022 by rejecting an independent panel's report, which cited prima facie evidence of serious constitutional violations, including undisclosed foreign currency possession and failure to report theft. While opposition parties like the EFF and ATM have demanded his resignation, Ramaphosa addressed the nation, asserting that the judgment does not mandate him to step down. He emphasized his commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law, stating that resignation would pre-empt due process and validate a flawed report. Instead, the President announced he would pursue an expedited legal review of the independent panel’s findings, arguing that no sufficient evidence has been presented to prove misconduct. He maintained that the court made no determination on his alleged conduct or whether it justified removal from office, vowing to continue cooperating with mandated institutions while defending his presidency against what he terms politically motivated abuse.
The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa Parliament Initiates Impeachment Probe into President Ramaphosa Over 'Farmgate' Scandal
South Africa’s parliament is establishing an impeachment committee to investigate allegations against President Cyril Ramaphosa concerning the 'Farmgate' scandal. This development follows a recent ruling by the Constitutional Court, which declared the previous parliamentary decision to block an inquiry unconstitutional and ordered the revival of impeachment proceedings. The scandal centers on the 2020 theft of approximately $4 million in foreign currency that was hidden in a sofa at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm. Critics question the source of the funds, their declaration status, and why they were concealed rather than banked. While Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing and stated he will not resign, he plans to legally challenge an independent panel’s report citing preliminary evidence of misconduct. The committee will review evidence over several months before deciding on formal proceedings. Although opposition parties like the EFF demand his resignation, Ramaphosa is likely to survive a final vote in the National Assembly, as removing him requires a two-thirds majority, and his African National Congress party retains more than one-third of the seats despite losing its overall majority in 2024.
Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al JazeeraANC Urged to Convene Leadership Meetings After Adverse Phala Phala Court Ruling
The African National Congress (ANC) has been advised to hold urgent meetings of its top leadership structures following a significant Constitutional Court ruling regarding the Phala Phala scandal. The court declared the National Assembly’s 2022 decision not to refer an independent panel’s report on President Cyril Ramaphosa to an impeachment committee as unconstitutional and invalid. Consequently, the matter has been referred to the impeachment committee. Analysts warn that this development places the ANC in a severe crisis ahead of the 2026 local government elections, potentially damaging its campaign due to eroded public confidence. Experts highlight the party's lack of a clear succession plan, noting that recalling or forcing Ramaphosa’s resignation creates uncertainty about future leadership. With the ANC’s support already declining to approximately 40% in recent elections, the scandal threatens further political instability. The situation forces the party to choose between retaining a tainted leader or navigating a risky transition, all while addressing allegations that Ramaphosa violated his oath of office concerning undeclared foreign currency stolen from his farm.
The Namibian