"I will not resign. I will fight this through the courts."
President Cyril Ramaphosa rejects impeachment inquiry, citing legal grounds
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on December 2, 2024, that he will not resign and will legally challenge impeachment proceedings related to the "Farmgate" scandal. His statement followed the South African parliament's announcement to establish an impeachment committee, as ordered by the Constitutional Court on November 28, 2024.
Background of the Scandal
The controversy stems from a 2020 break-in at Ramaphosa's Phala Phala farm in Limpopo, where $580,000 in foreign currency was allegedly stolen. Ramaphosa claims the money came from buffalo sales.
A 2022 independent parliamentary committee report found Ramaphosa "may have committed" serious violations. At that time, the then-ANC majority parliament rejected impeachment.
The Constitutional Court Ruling
The Constitutional Court overturned that rejection, referring the report to an impeachment committee. This court order has now forced the creation of a multi-party committee to investigate the allegations.
Impeachment Procedure
- Requires a two-thirds majority (at least 267 of 400 lawmakers) in Parliament to remove Ramaphosa.
- The multi-party committee will investigate before a vote; no timeline has been provided for the completion of proceedings.
- Ramaphosa's ANC party lost its parliamentary majority in 2024 but is part of a coalition government. He may survive if ANC lawmakers support him.