South Africa’s Ramaphosa rejects resignation calls over cash-in-sofa scandal

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected calls to resign after the country’s Constitutional Court revived impeachment proceedings linked to the long-running Phala Phala “Farmgate” scandal.

In a televised address, Ramaphosa said the court ruling did not compel him to leave office and pledged to defend himself against allegations connected to the theft of foreign currency from furniture at his game farm in 2020.

Key developments:

  • South Africa’s Constitutional Court ruled a 2022 parliamentary vote blocking impeachment proceedings was invalid.
  • Ramaphosa said the stolen cash totalled $580,000, while other claims suggested a higher amount.
  • The President maintains the funds came from the sale of buffaloes at the Phala Phala ranch.
  • The African National Congress (ANC) is expected to discuss the issue ahead of November municipal elections.

Analysts say both impeachment and no-confidence efforts currently face significant parliamentary hurdles.

ℹ️ Reuters

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South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the nation after a court last week revived impeachment proceedings against him over a scandal in which thieves stole bundles of foreign cash from a sofa on his ranch, in Johannesburg, South Africa, May 11, 2026. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
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South Africa’s Ramaphosa rejects resignation calls over cash-in-sofa scandal
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