Ramaphosa dismisses Phala Phala attacks as ‘electoral posturing’, vows to uphold Constitution

President Cyril Ramaphosa has pushed back against opposition criticism of his handling of the Phala Phala farm robbery, calling the attacks “political theatre or electoral posturing” and reiterating his commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law.

Response after heated budget debate

Ramaphosa made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon while replying to a robust parliamentary debate on the Presidency’s budget vote, after opposition parties on Tuesday criticised his presidency for failing to address issues including high unemployment, poor service delivery, inadequate sanitation, rampant corruption and crime.

During the session, MPs repeatedly demanded that Ramaphosa address the Phala Phala farm robbery, in which a significant amount of foreign currency was stolen from his farm. The matter is expected to feature in parliamentary proceedings as a Section 89 impeachment inquiry.

On the Phala Phala allegations and constitutional process

According to IOL, the Section 89 inquiry will be chaired by Rise Mzansi MP Makashule Gana and will examine issues relating to the theft of $580,000 allegedly hidden in a sofa at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo in February 2020.

Ramaphosa said his approach is guided by “the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law” and that “the country’s democratic institutions must be allowed to perform their work without interference or intimidation.” He added: “I will continue to uphold the principles and safeguard the integrity of my office. I will respect the work and authority of Parliament and abide by the rulings of our courts.”

Presidency’s priorities and a legal challenge

In his reply, Ramaphosa framed the Presidency’s work around delivering economic growth and jobs, saying the institution is focused on ensuring growth is “inclusive, sustainable and capable of transforming the lives of ordinary South Africans.” He said the Presidency’s role is to ensure coherence across government, drive implementation and remove obstacles to progress.

According to IOL, Ramaphosa has recently approached the Western Cape High Court to challenge an independent panel report compiled in 2022 by a panel chaired by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo. The report found prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa may have committed serious misconduct linked to the Phala Phala scandal and recommended that Parliament consider impeachment proceedings; Ramaphosa is seeking to have that report set aside.

Not distracted by critics, he says

Turning to his critics, Ramaphosa asserted that the Presidency “is not distracted by the clamour of some political parties for attention. We are not distracted by political theatre or electoral posturing.” He said the government and most members of the National Assembly share a determination to accelerate growth and transformation.

“Our task is therefore not simply to grow the economy. It is to ensure that growth is inclusive, sustainable and capable of transforming the lives of ordinary South Africans.”

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