President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that he will not resign and will be taking the Constitutional Court’s Phala Phala findings on review. This decision comes after the Constitutional Court found that certain aspects of the National Assembly rules governing the process for the removal of the President from office are inconsistent with the Constitution.
In a speech to the nation, Ramaphosa addressed the judgment handed down by the Constitutional Court on Friday last week. He stated that the judgment has given rise to much commentary, debate, and speculation, and that there has been much concern and uncertainty in the country over the last few days.
Background of the Phala Phala Scandal
The matter before the Constitutional Court arose from the report of an independent panel appointed by the National Assembly in September 2022 in terms of Section 89 of the Constitution to conduct a preliminary inquiry into certain allegations made against Ramaphosa. These allegations related to a theft that took place at his farm in February 2020.
According to the South African Government website, the independent panel concluded that the information presented to it disclosed, prima facie, that the President may have committed serious misconduct and a serious violation of the Constitution. The Panel concluded that Ramaphosa may have acted in a way that was inconsistent with his office and may have exposed himself to a situation involving a conflict between his official responsibilities and his private business.
Next Steps
The Constitutional Court has now ruled that the vote the National Assembly exercised on this matter in 2022 should be set aside. The Court has accordingly ordered that the report of the independent panel be referred to the Impeachment Committee of the National Assembly. Ramaphosa has stated that he will take the Phala Phala Section 89 findings on review, and has refused to resign.
Here are some key points to consider:
- The Constitutional Court’s ruling has significant implications for the future of Ramaphosa’s presidency.
- The Phala Phala scandal has sparked widespread debate and speculation in South Africa.
- Ramaphosa’s decision to take the findings on review may lead to further legal action.
For more information on the Constitutional Court and its role in the South African legal system, visit the Constitutional Court website.
