By Redson Kandozi
Back in 2022, President Ramaphosa narrowly sidestepped an impeachment vote. His party, the African National Congress (ANC), leveraged its majority in parliament to quash a motion that sought further scrutiny, despite an independent report suggesting the need for a full investigation into his actions.
Since then, the ANC has formed a coalition with nine other parties to govern South Africa, which has somewhat softened the criticism directed at Ramaphosa over the scandal. However, two opposition parties, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Movement for the Transformation of Africa, remain outside this coalition. These parties have now turned to the Constitutional Court, arguing that parliament has neglected its duty to hold the president accountable as mandated by the constitution.
The controversy, often referred to as the "Phala Phala scandal," erupted in June 2022, revealing that around $580,000 in U.S. currency had been stolen from a sofa on Ramaphosa’s property over two years prior. The opposition accused him of serious offenses, including tax evasion, money laundering, and violations of foreign exchange laws. President Ramaphosa has refuted these claims, insisting the money was derived from legitimate livestock sales. However, he has yet to explain why the cash was concealed in furniture.
Additionally, questions remain over whether the theft was reported to authorities correctly. Ramaphosa claimed he informed his head of security, but critics suggest he may have attempted to cover up both the theft and the existence of the money.
The Reserve Bank and a state watchdog have since cleared Ramaphosa of wrongdoing, though opposition parties have challenged these findings. Despite the scandal, Ramaphosa, now 71, secured a second term in June. This victory was supported by opposition MPs, as the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994, marking a new era in South African politics.
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