Drama in South Africa as President Ramaphosa faces impeachment

• Mr. Ramaphosa, who is accused of a cover-up involving millions of dollars in cash, is up against the biggest threat of his time in power.
• The president is charged with kidnapping the thieves and buying their silence in order to cover up a $4 million

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing a possible impeachment threat over the “Farmgate” scandal.

The president is charged with kidnapping the thieves and buying their silence in order to cover up a $4 million (£3.3 million) robbery from his property in 2020.

According to a three-volume assessment from an independent panel, Mr. Ramaphosa may have violated an anti-corruption statute and abused his position.

A possible impeachment of President Cyril Ramaphosa, according to political analyst Richard Calland, would be a “historic moment” for the nation. Ramaphosa claimed in a meeting with his closest allies that he was open to resigning from his position before the African National Congress’s (ANC) National Executive Committee decided his future.

Following the conclusion of a three-person panel that the president may have violated the constitution and engaged in corrupt behavior, this has happened.
The president has a case to answer in the cover-up of a robbery at his private farm, Phala Phala, in February 2020, according to the panel, which was presided over by Justice Sandile Ngcobo.

“In light of all the information placed before the Panel, we conclude that this information discloses, prima facie, that the President may have committed a serious violation” of various sections of the law, the report says.

Following the report, his party’s National Executive Committee will hold urgent talks today at 7pm (1700 GMT) to discuss the farm theft scandal, an ANC official told AFP.

Coming two weeks before the ANC holds its crucial conference – where it is due to elect new leadership – the report has dealt a serious blow to Ramaphosa’s re-election bid.

The president has also canceled a scheduled question-and-answer session in parliament Thursday afternoon, his office said.

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The president’s written request to cancel said that “implications for the stability of the country required that the President take the time to carefully consider the contents of the report and the next course of action to be taken”, parliamentary authorities said.

The three-person panel set up in September to probe the alleged cover-up of theft at Ramaphosa’s farmhouse said that the information it gathered shows that Ramaphosa possibly committed serious violations and misconduct.

These include not reporting the theft directly to the police, acting in a way inconsistent with holding office, and exposing himself to a clash between his official responsibilities and his private business.

Ramaphosa reiterated his denial of any wrongdoing and that he is “giving consideration to the report and an announcement will be made in due course”.

Deputy President David Mabuza, who was scheduled to address an international AIDS day commemoration event, has also canceled his appearance and sent the health minister in his place.

The opposition has called on Ramaphosa to leave office immediately.