South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that he will take legal action to challenge a report that could trigger impeachment proceedings against him.
The allegations relate to the alleged theft of large amounts of cash from his private Phala Phala farm.
Last week, the Constitutional Court ruled that parliament acted unlawfully when it rejected a motion in 2022 to set up an impeachment inquiry into the Phala Phala matter.
That decision has now reopened the political and legal debate around the president’s conduct.
Amid rising speculation about his future, Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Monday and firmly shut down resignation rumours.
“I remain here and am not resigning,” he said, making it clear that he intends to continue in office.
The controversy, known as the Phala Phala scandal, centres on cash that was allegedly stolen from furniture inside his game farm. The incident has continued to attract public scrutiny and political pressure.
An independent panel previously concluded that there was prima facie evidence suggesting Ramaphosa may have committed serious misconduct in how he handled the issue.
That finding added weight to calls for further investigation.
Ramaphosa, however, has strongly denied any wrongdoing. He has insisted that the money came from the lawful sale of buffalo from his farming business and not from any illegal activity.
Following the latest court ruling, he now plans to ask the courts to review and overturn the report. He argues that it relies heavily on hearsay and should not be used as a basis for impeachment proceedings.
If parliament proceeds with the process, the report could become the foundation for opposition efforts to remove him from office.
Political analyst Professor Richard Calland believes Ramaphosa would likely survive any parliamentary vote.
However, he suggests the president’s legal challenge may be aimed at preventing a lengthy and damaging impeachment hearing that could harm his reputation and legacy.
