Impeachment Inquiry: President Ramaphosa Asserts He Will Not Step Down

Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has affirmed his decision not to resign after last week’s Constitutional Court ruling, which mandated Parliament to refer the Phala Phala farm theft issue to an impeachment committee.

In a televised address to the nation on Monday, 11 May 2026, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the calls for his resignation, stating that the court’s decision did not necessitate his stepping down.

“The Constitutional Court made no finding of any sort regarding my alleged conduct,” he emphasized.

“I would like to clearly state that I will not resign.”

The case originates from a theft incident at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in February 2020.

An independent panel appointed by the National Assembly in 2022 found prima facie evidence suggesting that the President may have engaged in serious misconduct and violated the Constitution.

Despite this, Parliament, by a majority vote, opted against sending the matter to an impeachment committee.

In a surprising turn of events on Friday, 8 May 2026, the Constitutional Court annulled that vote, asserting that when a panel recommends an inquiry, Parliament is obliged to proceed “unless and until the report is set aside on review.”

President Ramaphosa announced his intention to challenge the panel’s report in court.

He had previously initiated legal action but withdrew it after Parliament decided not to act on the unfavorable panel report.

“Based on advice from my legal team… I have made the decision to expedite the review of the independent panel’s report,” President Ramaphosa stated, adding that the findings were derived from “hearsay allegations” and contained “serious legal errors.”

The President reiterated his respect for the judiciary and the rule of law, clarifying that his choice not to resign is not an act of defiance but a commitment to ensuring that Parliament’s processes are based on facts and legality.

“I take this stance out of respect for the Constitutional Court judgment and the judicial review principles it upholds and reinforces,” he explained.

Ramaphosa maintained that he has neither misappropriated public funds, committed a crime, nor breached his oath of office.

He pledged to continue serving the people of South Africa, noting progress made in combating corruption, recovering stolen assets, and prosecuting those responsible.

“Resigning now would mean yielding to those who aim to undo the revival of our society, the restoration of our institutions, and the fight against corruption,” he asserted.

Despite political challenges, President Ramaphosa expressed optimism about the country’s future.

“Driven by the rule of law and the principle of accountability, I am determined to fulfill and complete the mandate entrusted to me by you, the people.”