Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has made it clear he will not resign following last week’s Constitutional Court judgment that ordered Parliament to refer the Phala Phala farm theft matter to an impeachment committee.
In a televised address to the nation on Monday, 11 May 2026, President Ramaphosa said while there had been calls for him to step down, the court’s ruling did not compel his resignation.
“The Constitutional Court made no finding of any kind regarding my alleged conduct,” he stressed.
“I therefore respectfully want to make it clear that I will not resign.”
The case stems from a February 2020 theft at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm.
An independent panel appointed by the National Assembly in 2022 concluded there was prima facie evidence that the President may have committed serious misconduct and violated the Constitution.
However, Parliament, by a majority, voted against referring the matter to an impeachment committee.
In an unexpected twist on Friday, 8 May 2026, the Constitutional Court set aside that vote, declaring that where such a panel recommends an inquiry, Parliament must proceed “unless and until the report is set aside on review.”
President Ramaphosa stated that he will challenge the panel’s report in court.
He had previously done so and only withdrew the court action after Parliament voted not to act on the adverse panel report.
“On the basis of advice from my legal team… I have therefore decided to proceed to take the independent panel’s report on review on an expeditious basis,” President Ramaphosa said, adding that the findings were based on “hearsay allegations” and that the report contained “grave errors of law.”
The President reiterated his respect for the judiciary and the rule of law, saying his decision not to resign was not out of defiance but to ensure Parliament’s processes were grounded in fact and legality.
“I do so out of respect for the Constitutional Court judgment and the principles of judicial review that it reiterates and reinforces,” he explained.
Ramaphosa insisted he has not stolen public money, committed a crime, or violated his oath of office.
He pledged to continue serving South Africans, highlighting progress in fighting corruption, recovering stolen funds, and prosecuting alleged perpetrators.
“To resign now would be to give in to those who seek to reverse the renewal of our society, the rebuilding of our institutions, and the prosecution of corruption,” he declared.
Despite the political turbulence, President Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the country’s future.
“Guided by the rule of law and the principle of accountability, I intend to fulfil and complete the mandate that you, the people, have given me.”
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