Ramaphosa sticks to agenda, rebuffs opposition on Phala Phala amid impeachment threat

President Cyril Ramaphosa ignored calls from opposition parties to address the Phala Phala Farm saga during the Presidency’s budget vote debate in the National Assembly earlier in the week, even as a possible impeachment process against him advanced following a Constitutional Court ruling.

Impeachment process revived

The Constitutional Court sent the section 89 independent panel report on the Phala Phala scandal back to Parliament, a development that has paved the way for an impeachment process to proceed. Ramaphosa has revived a judicial review of the panel report after the ConCourt ruling in favour of the EFF and the African Transformation Movement (ATM).

Debate focus: policy and delivery

During the budget vote debate, Ramaphosa largely focused on the government’s work to tackle national challenges and said his priority is to grow the economy. He said the presidency would not be “distracted by what he labels political theatre,” adding: “This debate has demonstrated that while we may differ on matters of policy and politics, there is broad agreement on the challenges confronting our nation and on the urgency with which they must be addressed.”

He also said: “We are not distracted by the clamour of some political parties for attention.”

On the Constitutional Court and rule of law

Ramaphosa briefly addressed the Constitutional Court judgment during his remarks. He said his approach is guided by “the supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law” and emphasised that “the institutions of our democracy must be allowed to perform their work without interference and without intimidation.”

The president 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.” He said he has “every confidence in the constitutional processes of our country and will continue to respect and abide by them.”

Politics, posturing and presidential priorities

Ramaphosa characterised some opposition activity as electoral posturing ahead of local government elections, saying: “We are not distracted by political theatre or electoral posturing.” He said the Presidency is “resolutely focused on the task of growing an inclusive economy and creating jobs” and that it will not be “sidetracked by narrow agendas that have nothing to do with the needs, interests and concerns of the people of South Africa.”

On rebuilding the Presidency and state capture

Ramaphosa contrasted his presidency with the era of state capture, saying power had been centralised then “not to serve the public good but to entrench patronage and shield corruption.” He said the State Capture Commission found institutions were deliberately undermined and repurposed. He added that coordinating the repair of damage caused by state capture has become a critical function of the centre of government and that strategic priorities such as structural reform, state security and investment are now being driven from the Presidency.

Key quotes from Ramaphosa in the debate:

• “We will not allow anything to slow the momentum of growth and transformation that, with each passing day, is gaining more and more pace.”
• “South Africans do not judge government by the speeches we make or the debates we have in this house.”
• “Understanding the Presidency’s current role requires recognising this history. Coordinating the repair of the damage caused by state capture has become a critical function of the centre of government.”