South African President Cyril Ramaphosa rejected calls to resign on Monday, vowing to challenge looming impeachment proceedings in court.
The political storm returned after a court overturned a 2022 parliamentary decision that had shielded Ramaphosa from impeachment scrutiny.
At the heart of the controversy lies the Phala Phala scandal, where millions of dollars were allegedly hidden inside furniture at Ramaphosa’s luxury farmhouse.
The theft occurred during a 2020 break-in at the sprawling Limpopo property, igniting accusations of secrecy and financial misconduct.
Critics alleged Ramaphosa concealed the burglary from police and tax authorities while attempting to quietly contain the fallout.
In a televised address, the 73-year-old leader declared there was no basis for impeachment or removal from office.
“I therefore respectfully want to make it clear that I will not resign,” Ramaphosa said during the nationally broadcast statement.
He argued that stepping down would legitimise what he described as a flawed parliamentary report and politically driven accusations.
South Africa’s Constitutional Court ordered the disputed report be reconsidered by an impeachment committee following a complaint from the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters.
An independent panel previously concluded Ramaphosa “may have committed” serious violations and misconduct linked to the scandal.
However, parliament, dominated at the time by the ruling African National Congress, voted against opening impeachment proceedings in 2022.
Ramaphosa said legal advisers recommended seeking a judicial review, citing possible legal errors and unsupported factual conclusions in the panel’s findings.
The president acknowledged the burglary but denied wrongdoing, insisting the money originated from a buffalo sale worth $580,000.
As municipal elections approach in November, the scandal casts another long shadow over the ANC’s struggle against corruption allegations and declining public trust.