By: Bright Ntuli
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) is calling on Parliament to establish an independent impeachment inquiry panel over allegations linked to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala scandal.
The allegations relate to a report by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) into the 2020 burglary at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo, during which large sums of US dollars were stolen.
ATM spokesperson Zama Ntshona says the findings, together with a previous independent panel report, provide sufficient grounds to consider possible impeachment proceedings. The party argues that the reports raise serious questions about whether the President acted in line with his constitutional obligations.
The Phala Phala matter has remained politically contentious since it first came to light in 2022. Opposition parties and some civil society groups have questioned the origin of the foreign currency and the manner in which the burglary was handled, including whether it was properly reported to the authorities.
Ramaphosa has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He has stated that the money was proceeds from the sale of game and that all relevant processes were followed. Previous findings, including those by an independent panel appointed by Parliament, have been central to ongoing political and legal debate around the issue.
