‘I Will Not Resign,’ Says Ramaphosa After Phala Phala Court Blow

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he has no intention of stepping down despite mounting political pressure following the Constitutional Court ruling on the Phala Phala matter.

Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Monday night after the Constitutional Court of South Africa overturned Parliament’s 2022 decision to block the Section 89 independent panel report from proceeding to a formal impeachment inquiry.

The President confirmed that he will seek a review of the panel’s findings on legal advice.

Ramaphosa Rejects Calls To Resign Over Phala Phala

During his national address from the Union Buildings, Ramaphosa insisted that the Constitutional Court judgment did not require him to resign.

He said the court had not made findings against his conduct but instead reinforced constitutional processes relating to the handling of the report.

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“I fully intend to continue serving the people of South Africa. There is still so much to be done.”

“I will not resign,” he said.

He added that stepping down would amount to surrendering to forces attempting to reverse efforts aimed at rebuilding the country.

Phala Phala Report Heads For Court Review

The Constitutional Court ruling revived the legal standing of the Section 89 panel report, which had previously been blocked in Parliament on 13 December 2022.

The independent panel, chaired by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, found prima facie evidence suggesting Ramaphosa may have violated the Constitution and committed serious misconduct.

The findings relate to the 2020 theft of foreign currency from the President’s Phala Phala Farm in Limpopo.

Ramaphosa said he would challenge the report through a court review process on an “expeditious basis”.

Ramaphosa Defends ANC Renewal And State Capture Reforms

The President also used the address to defend progress made under his administration since the State Capture era.

Ramaphosa said institutions were being rebuilt, stolen funds were being recovered and recommendations from the State Capture Commission were being implemented.

“There has been much progress in rebuilding the credibility of institutions, money is being recovered, and we are implementing the recommendations of the state capture commission, and those who did wrong are being dealt with,” he said.

The latest developments have intensified political pressure on Ramaphosa as opposition parties continue pushing for accountability over the Phala Phala scandal.