South Africa's Ramaphosa refuses to resign over cash scandal
DW.com • • world
Key Points:
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced he will not resign and plans to challenge impeachment proceedings in court related to the "Farmgate" cash heist scandal.
- The scandal involves allegations that Ramaphosa hid $580,000 in foreign currency stolen during a 2020 break-in at his Phala Phala farmhouse, which he claims came from buffalo sales.
- An independent parliamentary committee in 2022 found Ramaphosa "may have committed" serious misconduct, but impeachment was initially blocked by his ANC party's parliamentary majority.
- The Constitutional Court recently overturned the rejection of the 2022 report and ordered the formation of an impeachment committee to investigate, following a complaint by the Economic Freedom Fighters party.
- Impeachment requires a two-thirds parliamentary majority; although the ANC lost its majority in 2024, Ramaphosa could still survive if coalition partners support him.