Calls for parliamentary urgency grow as Ramaphosa opts for Section 89 review

Political parties and citizens are united in their call for an efficient resolution to ongoing concerns regarding President Cyril Ramaphosa's handling of the Phala Phala saga.

The controversy centres on an independent panel's report that found President Ramaphosa may have a serious case concerning the alleged theft of over US$580,000 concealed within furniture at his private game farm in February 2020. 

The events have cast a prolonged shadow over the presidency for a long time.

Subsequently, the National Assembly blocked a Section 89 inquiry into the scandal in December 2022. The process intended to impeach the president. He survived through majority vote from his party.

However, last Friday, the Economic Freedom Fighters and the African Transformation Movement revived their push for impeachment by approaching the Constitutional Court.   

After some months, the  apex court ruled that Parliament’s management of the Phala Phala report lacked constitutional validity, ordering that the matter be returned to the impeachment committee.

On Tuesday night, however, Ramaphosa addresed the nation, revealing that he is seeking a review of the report.

Conversely, critics are questioning the president's motives, suggesting it may serve as a delaying tactic. 

We strongly support the calls for an expedient process.

The country can ill afford the uncertainty of a sitting president remaining in office while such significant issue is outstanding.

Concerns have been raised that Ramaphosa could have appealed the matter as early as 2022 when the scandal reached Parliament.

These critics fear that challenging the impeachment process could extend the controversy indefinitely, thereby creating an environment of uncertainty and doubt.

Despite confirming that the US currency had not been declared upon entry into South Africa, as required by law, the South African Revenue Service took no action against those involved. 

Moreover, the National Prosecuting Authority has been conspicuously silent on the potential criminal implications of these offences.

As an ordinary citizen would typically face the full weight of the law for possessing such a significant amount of undeclared foreign currency, critics question the apparent kids' gloves applied in dealing with the president's matter.

Prolonging the scandal is not good for the country's image.

We demand immediate action.