Just days before the ANC sits to elect its leadership for the next five years, President Cyril Ramaphosa who was hoping to secure a second term is cornered.
His campaign was dealt a major blow on Wednesday when a Parliamentary Panel appointed to investigate the robbery at his Phala Phala Farm found that he has a case to answer for.
The panel said in light of all the information placed before it, they concluded that the information disclosed, prima facie, that the President may have committed a serious violation of sections 96(2)(a).
“A serious violation of section 34(1) of PRECCA. Serious misconduct in that the President violated section 96(2)(b) by acting in a way that is inconsistent with his office. 264.4.
“A serious misconduct in that the President violated section 96(2)(b) by exposing himself to a situation involving a conflict between his official responsibilities and his private business,” the report said.
The report comes after former state security head Arthur Fraser opened a criminal case against Ramaphosa and his head of Presidential Protection General Whally Rhoode following a robbery at his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo in 2020.
While the President is still coming to terms with the findings of the panel report, pressure is mounting on him while South Africans wait with bated breath to see which way this whole saga that will have major repercussions for the country, will unfold.
In a statement issued by The Presidency in response to the National Council of Provinces’ request for oral reply to their questions, after the panel report was released, The Presidency said:
”The Section 89 Independent Panel process has been unprecedented in the life of our constitutional democracy. The recommendations of the Panel and the implications thereof for the stability of the country require His Excellency.
“President Ramaphosa took the time to carefully consider the contents of the report and the next course of action to be taken. In light of the above, we sincerely apologise and regret to inform you that President Ramaphosa will no longer be available to present himself to the NCOP on 1 December 2022.
Ramaphosa will have to face Members of Parliament over the next few days while his party has called a special National Executive Committee for Thursday night. ANC Treasurer General, Paul Mashatile who is also acting Secretary-General issued a communique to members informing them of the meeting which will be held virtually.
Mashatile did not disclose the agenda for the meeting but said it would be circulated. However, sources said the meeting has to do with the report with the hope of finding a “solution that will not harm the organisation.”