CAPE TOWN: An independent panel appointed by the speaker of South Africa’s parliament on Wednesday found preliminary evidence that President Cyril Ramaphosa violated his oath of office, which could lead to his impeachment. .
The president immediately denied any wrongdoing. Ramaphosa has not been charged with any crime.
Ramaphosa said in a statement released by the South African presidency, “I categorically deny that I have violated this oath in any way, and I likewise deny that “I plead guilty to any charges brought against me.”
Ramaphosa is less than a month away from an elective conference that will decide whether he will seek a second term on the ruling African National Congress (ANC) ticket in the 2024 elections.
The recommendations were made by a three-member panel set up to inquire whether Ramaphosa should be impeached after millions of dollars in cash were allegedly stolen from his private farm.
The panel said Ramaphosa should face further scrutiny over his ability to remain in office.
“In all the circumstances, we find that the evidence presented to the panel, prima facie, establishes that the President may be guilty of a serious violation of certain sections of the Constitution,” the report said.
The panel said it was clear that Ramaphosa had placed himself in a situation where there was a conflict of interest between his official duties as president and being a businessman involved in cattle and game farming, and that he had acted in this manner. Worked from which was not compatible with his office.
South Africa’s main opposition Liberal Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steinhewson said Ramaphosa was in a tight spot.
He cited Ramaphosa’s insistence that “the report itself leaves the president in a virtually untenable position, particularly as it relates to his own party’s principles being set aside and this strong line is what he has done against others within his party.” He left office to be investigated for corruption.
The chances of impeachment are slim because of the ANC’s dominance in parliament, where it holds 230 seats, or about 60 percent of the total, and usually votes along party lines. A two-thirds majority in the National Assembly is required to impeach the President.
Robbery at Ramaphosa farm
In June, it was revealed that an estimated $4 million was looted from Ramaphosa’s farm in 2020, raising questions about how the billionaire president who came to power on a promise to fight corruption got hold of the cash. And did he announce it?
Ramaphosa confirmed the robbery in his form but denied any claims of criminal conduct.
The panel was formed in September to determine whether there was prima facie evidence of wrongdoing by the president.
Ramaphosa is expected to answer questions in Parliament on Thursday and could face a tough time from opposition lawmakers.
The inquiry is separate from the criminal investigation being carried out by the police, and has been welcomed by Ramaphosa.
Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said the report will be debated in the National Assembly on December 6.
