- President Cyril Ramaphosa will not yet address the nation to explain his next move.
- Pressure is mounting on Ramaphosa to resign after the publication of Phala Phala’s damning report.
- Ramaphosa is consulting stakeholders in the ANC and its alliance partners.
Amid mounting pressure to step down, President Cyril Ramaphosa is not panicking.
This is according to their spokesman, Vincent Magwenya, who addressed the media on Thursday night.
“Due to high expectations, the president appreciates the urgency of the issue. The president also appreciates the enormity of the problem and what it means for the country and the stability of the country.
“He is still processing the report and involving various actors from the ruling party and the alliance. It is involving a wide range of stakeholders,” Magwenya said.
READ | Phala Phala: As pressure mounts, Ramaphosa tells allies he’s not opposed to stepping down
Magwenya said the country was at an extraordinary and unprecedented moment as a constitutional democracy as a result of the report.
“Whatever decision the president makes, that decision must be in the best interest of the country. It cannot be rushed or rushed,” he said.
Magwenya apologized for the impression created that Ramaphosa would address the nation on Thursday.
Earlier, News24 reported that Ramaphosa’s closest allies gathered at his Cape Town office, Tuynhuys, after he told allies he was not opposed to resigning.
The panel found that Ramaphosa may have violated the Constitution and anti-corruption laws in his dealings with Phala Phala.
Ramaphosa is under immense pressure following the release of the independent panel report, which reached damning conclusions against him in connection with the theft of $580,000 (R10 million) from his game farm, Phala Phala, in Limpopo. .
The independent panel was led by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, and was appointed by President Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
READ | Ramaphosa in crisis: ANC leaders to meet over president’s future as enemies, opposition demands resignation
Ramaphosa failed to convince the panel that he had acted in accordance with the law and the Constitution after the robbery and theft, and could face an impeachment inquiry by lawmakers.
The four counts include three cases in which Ramaphosa violated the Constitution by continuing to perform paid work outside of his duties as a Cabinet member and by acting inconsistent with his office by asking his head of security, Major General Wally Rhoode, to to investigate the matter.
Parliamentarians are expected to vote Tuesday on whether or not to adopt the report.
