The report of the Section 89 Panel, which was tasked with determining whether there is sufficient evidence to impeach the president has found that President Cyril Ramaphosa may have a case to answer to Parliament.
The panel concludes in its report which has been made public that there is prima facie evidence that the President may have committed a serious violation of the Constitution, law, and serious misconduct.
In a statement released shortly after, the Presidency says it has taken note of the report submitted to the Speaker of the National Assembly by the independent panel established under Section 89 of the Constitution and that an announcement would be made in due course.
The report was released to Members of Parliament and the public through the Announcements Tablings and Committee reports (ATC) on Wednesday evening.
The report is based on the panel’s assessment of the information it received on the Phala Phala saga from the African Transformation Movement (ATM), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and the United Democratic Movement (UDM). In response to the information, the President denied any wrongdoing.
The saga relates to the alleged theft of foreign currency at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo more than two years ago. Ramaphosa allegedly concealed the theft.
The panel was tasked with assessing whether or not Ramaphosa had a case to answer on constitutional grounds.
The report will be considered by the National Assembly at its plenary sitting scheduled for 6 December 2022.
President Ramaphosa reiterates 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,” says the President.
Earlier on Wednesday, the African National Congress (ANC) said it is prepared for any eventuality.
“If there is any challenge against any of our leaders we always have to be worried but we believe that due process is important as the moment I know the panel will present its report to the Speaker on Wednesday already our team in parliament said they will come and brief us so we will be ready on Wednesday to receive the report and see what it says we must always be ready to deal with challenges we are ready,” said ANC Treasurer General Paul Mashatile.
The ANC has scheduled a meeting of its top officials to deliberate options open to it.
Full Section 89 Report Vol.1:
ANC Ready for any eventualities
The outcome of the Panel has been highly anticipated by opposition political parties and the public at large. The ANC which is understandably bracing for the findings of the report and its ramifications, however, says it is prepared for any eventuality.
“If there is any challenge against any of our leaders we always have to be worried but we believe that due process is important as the moment I know the panel will present its report to the Speaker on Wednesday already our team in parliament said they will come and brief us so we will be ready on Wednesday to receive the report and see what it says we must always be ready to deal with challenges we are ready,” says ANC Treasurer General Paul Mashatile.
Presidency statement
Earlier, in a statement, the Presidency, noted that the conclusions of the panel require careful reading and appropriate consideration in the interest of the stability of government and that of the country.
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.”
VIDEO:President Ramaphosa says he’s willing to be fully accountable for the Phala Phala farm theft, 30 Aug 2022:
