Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday declined to answer detailed questions about allegations surrounding the theft of large sums of cash from his Phala Phala game farm, saying he would instead allow official investigations and internal party processes to run their course.
The South African president, facing mounting political pressure over the so called “Farmgate” scandal, said he had agreed to appear before the integrity committee of the ruling African National Congress as scrutiny over the controversy intensified.
Ramaphosa has been accused of attempting to conceal the theft of foreign currency reportedly stolen from his farm in Limpopo province in 2020. Allegations against him include possible money laundering, bribery and violations of South Africa’s foreign exchange regulations.
The president has acknowledged that a theft occurred at the farm but has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. He maintains that the money came from the legitimate sale of animals from his game farm business.
Pressure Mounts in Parliament
Ramaphosa endured a second consecutive day of disruption in parliament as opposition lawmakers demanded answers about the origins of the cash and the handling of the alleged robbery.
Members of the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters interrupted proceedings, shouting accusations that Ramaphosa should step aside while investigations continue. Tensions escalated into scuffles between lawmakers and parliamentary security officials before several EFF members were forcibly removed from the chamber.
EFF legislator Omphile Maotwe accused the president of undermining public trust by remaining in office while facing serious allegations.
“The president of the republic, there are serious allegations against him, so he can’t come to the house to address us,” Maotwe said during the chaotic session. “He must step aside and allow the law to take its course.”
Despite the disruptions, Ramaphosa urged lawmakers to allow investigators to complete their work before conclusions are drawn.
“I’m a process person. The process must unfold,” he told reporters at parliament in Cape Town.
The president repeatedly declined to answer direct questions from journalists, including how much money had been stolen, whether the foreign currency had been properly declared to authorities, and whether any attempts had been made to silence suspects linked to the robbery.
Allegations Tied to Former Spy Chief’s Complaint
The scandal erupted earlier this month after former intelligence chief Arthur Fraser filed a criminal complaint accusing Ramaphosa of covering up the theft.
According to Fraser’s allegations, millions of dollars in cash had been concealed inside furniture at the president’s Phala Phala farm when thieves broke in and stole the money. Fraser further alleged that members of Ramaphosa’s presidential protection unit were used to track down the suspects instead of formally reporting the matter to police.
Ramaphosa has denied any attempt to conceal the crime and insists proper procedures were followed.
The exact amount allegedly stolen remains disputed. Fraser claimed approximately $4 million had been hidden at the property, while Ramaphosa and government authorities have challenged that figure.
Political Future Under Scrutiny
The Farmgate controversy has emerged as the biggest political challenge of Ramaphosa’s presidency and threatens to weaken his standing ahead of a crucial ANC elective conference.
The gathering, scheduled for later in the year, will determine whether Ramaphosa secures another term as leader of the ANC, a position that also heavily influences the country’s presidency.
If the ANC integrity committee finds that Ramaphosa violated party ethics rules or broke the law, it could recommend that he step aside from his leadership role or face suspension, potentially opening the door to impeachment efforts in parliament.
Political analysts say the scandal has damaged Ramaphosa’s anti corruption image, which was central to his rise to power after the scandal plagued presidency of former leader Jacob Zuma.
Throughout the parliamentary turmoil, Ramaphosa attempted to strike a measured tone, saying he had listened carefully to both criticism and advice from lawmakers.
(Oscar DEL POZO / AFP via Getty Images)
“Some of the views have been to counsel me, and yet others have been laced with insults,” he said. “I will not respond to insults.”
After the lengthy and confrontational day, an exhausted looking Ramaphosa concluded a press briefing by quietly asking an aide, “Can I go home now?”
