President Cyril Ramaphosa faced mounting pressure to resign on Thursday after a parliamentary panel concluded that he may have violated anti corruption laws linked to the alleged theft of large sums of cash from his Phala Phala game farm.
The report intensified a political crisis that has become one of the most serious challenges of Ramaphosa’s presidency and raised fresh uncertainty over his future as leader of African National Congress ahead of a crucial party conference.
The controversy stems from allegations made by former intelligence chief Arthur Fraser, who accused Ramaphosa of concealing the theft of millions of dollars allegedly hidden inside couches at the president’s farm in Limpopo province in 2020.
Fraser, a close ally of former President Jacob Zuma, accused Ramaphosa of money laundering, violating foreign exchange laws and improperly handling the investigation into the robbery.
Panel Raises Concerns Over Possible Violations
In its findings, the parliamentary panel questioned the source of the foreign currency and whether it had been properly declared to financial authorities. It also raised concerns about a possible conflict between Ramaphosa’s private business interests and his responsibilities as president.
According to the report, evidence presented before the panel suggested Ramaphosa “may be guilty of a serious violation” of sections of the constitution.
The panel also criticised the president for failing to report the theft through standard police procedures, instead relying on the head of his presidential protection unit to handle the matter.
Ramaphosa has denied wrongdoing and maintained that the money represented proceeds from the sale of buffaloes at his game farm. However, the panel questioned aspects of that explanation, noting that the animals allegedly sold to Sudanese businessman Mustafa Mohamed Ibrahim Hazim reportedly remained at the farm more than two years later.
The report further stated that investigations by South Africa’s central bank found no records showing the foreign currency had officially entered the country.
“We are unable to investigate or verify the source of the foreign currency,” the report said.
Political Pressure Intensifies
The findings immediately triggered calls from opposition parties and critics within the ANC for Ramaphosa to step aside.
The main opposition Democratic Alliance said the report strengthened the case for impeachment proceedings.
“President Ramaphosa most likely did breach a number of constitutional provisions and has a case to answer,” Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen said. “Impeachment proceedings into his conduct must go ahead.”
Lawmakers are expected to debate the report in parliament before voting on whether further action should be taken, including the possibility of impeachment proceedings. However, Ramaphosa’s supporters within the ANC still hold a parliamentary majority, which could help shield him politically.
The ANC’s national executive committee, the party’s highest decision making body, was expected to meet later Thursday to discuss the implications of the report and consider Ramaphosa’s position.
Presidency Calls For Patience
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the president was carefully considering the findings and stressed that any decision regarding his political future would not be rushed.
“The president appreciates the enormity of this issue and what it means for the country and the stability of government,” Magwenya told reporters.
“We are in an unprecedented and extraordinary moment as a constitutional democracy,” he added.
According to the parliamentary report, Ramaphosa stated that the amount stolen from the farm was approximately $580,000, rejecting Fraser’s earlier claim that as much as $4 million had been hidden at the property.
The scandal has damaged Ramaphosa’s reputation as a reform minded leader committed to fighting corruption after years of scandals under Zuma’s administration. Analysts say the controversy now threatens both his authority within the ANC and his bid for reelection as party leader, a key step toward seeking another presidential term in 2024.
Political analyst Dale McKinley said Ramaphosa was unlikely to resign unless criminal charges were formally brought against him.
“I don’t see Cyril Ramaphosa stepping aside unless he is charged,” McKinley said. “Politicians’ first instinct is survival.”
The Farmgate controversy continues to dominate South African politics, with further parliamentary and legal battles expected in the weeks ahead.
