Defiant Ramaphosa ‘giving consideration’ to scathing Phala Phala report
President Cyril Ramaphosa remained defiant on Wednesday evening amid a scathing report by the parliamentary panel set up to probe Phala Phala.
The Section 89 panel, under the leadership of retired Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, said it found enough evidence to warrant a parliamentary debate on whether the president should be impeached.
It handed the report to National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula earlier on Wednesday.
In a statement, the Presidency said it appreciates that according to the rules of the National Assembly, it would need to consider the report and determine the most appropriate way forward.
“The section 89 process has presented an unprecedented and extraordinary moment for South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
"The conclusions of the panel require careful reading and appropriate consideration in the interest of the stability of government and that of the country,” it added.
READ: Parliamentary panel finds prima facie evidence of serious violations by Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa, who has denied any criminal wrongdoing, will now come under renewed pressure just weeks before the start of the ANC’s national conference in December.
The governing party’s national executive committee will reportedly meet on Thursday to discuss the implications of the report, a meeting which could see Ramaphosa asked to step aside.
In the statement, President Ramaphosa reiterated the statement he made in his submission to the independent panel.
“I have endeavoured, throughout my tenure as President, not only to abide by my oath but to set an example of respect for the Constitution, for its institutions, for due process and the law.
"I categorically deny that I have violated this oath in any way, and I similarly deny that I am guilty of any of the allegations made against me.”
