ANC’s National Executive Committee Backs Ramaphosa Amid Phala Phala Impeachment Push
The African National Congress (ANC) has moved to shore up internal support for President Cyril Ramaphosa after the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the Section 89 report concerning the alleged theft of foreign exchange at his Phala Phala farm. Following an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Wednesday, the party instructed its parliamentary caucus to back the president should he adopt the Judicial Review Panel’s findings, and to seek broader parliamentary backing for that stance.
Context: The Phala Phala Section 89 Report
In early 2024 a Section 89 inquiry was launched after allegations surfaced that large sums of foreign currency were concealed at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm. The Judicial Review Panel, appointed under Section 89 of the Constitution, examined the evidence and issued a report that made adverse findings against the president, suggesting possible violations of the Executive Ethics Code and the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.
The Constitutional Court, hearing a challenge to the parliamentary process that considered the report, ruled on 12 March 2024 that the National Assembly’s handling of the matter was procedurally flawed. While the court did not overturn the substantive findings, it emphasized that any impeachment‑related proceedings must comply with strict constitutional safeguards.
NEC Directive and Internal Dynamics
According to Business Day, the NEC’s emergency gathering concluded with a clear directive:
- Support President Ramaphosa if he chooses to adopt the Section 89 report’s recommendations.
- Defend the president throughout any subsequent review or impeachment committee deliberations.
- Reach out to smaller parliamentary parties to secure a coalition that can sustain the ANC’s position in the 31‑member Section 89 impeachment committee.
The meeting was notable for two absences: President Ramaphosa withdrew from the discussion as he was the agenda item, and Treasurer General Gwen Ramokgopa was away after a party‑sanctioned trip to China. These gaps prompted internal commentary about the need for a unified front despite leadership‑level disengagement.
Parliamentary Fallout and Opposition Response
On Thursday, President Ramaphosa appeared for his regular question‑and‑answer session in the National Assembly. Speaker Thoko Didiza blocked opposition attempts to question him directly about the Constitutional Court ruling, prompting a coordinated walkout by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.
MK Party spokesperson Mmabatho Mokoena‑Zondi told reporters:
“We cannot continue today as before while we have a president who constantly lives in the shadows and faces impeachment proceedings. We cannot continue to legitimize his presidency.”
The MK Party has since submitted a formal request to Speaker Didiza to schedule a debate on a motion of no confidence against the president. Similarly, ATM leader Vuyo Zungula urged the Speaker to inform the public that the president is “indeed indicted” and that the House must reflect the gravity of the Constitutional Court’s findings.
Path Forward: Building a Coalition
The ANC acknowledges that it lacks the numerical strength to unilaterally shape the outcome of the Section 89 committee. With nine seats allocated to the party on the 31‑member body, it will need at least twelve additional votes from other parties to block any adverse findings or to sustain a supportive stance.
Party officials have begun informal talks with the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), the Democratic Alliance (DA) – particularly its more moderate factions – and smaller regional outfits such as the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP). Analysts note that securing cross‑party backing will hinge on how the ANC frames the issue: emphasizing procedural fairness and national stability rather than the substantive allegations.
Implications for Governance and Public Trust
Political scientists warn that prolonged uncertainty around the president’s legitimacy could affect investor confidence and policy continuity. A 2023 Afrobarometer survey indicated that only 42 % of South Africans trusted the presidency to act in the country’s best interest, a figure that may decline further if impeachment proceedings appear politicized.
Conversely, a clear, constitutionally sound resolution — whether through exoneration or a sanctioned remedial process — could reinforce institutional credibility. The ANC’s current strategy of rallying internal unity while seeking external support aims to navigate this delicate balance.
Conclusion
The ANC’s NEC has signaled a decisive move to defend President Cyril Ramaphosa amid the Phala Phala Section 89 controversy. By directing its caucus to support the president’s potential adoption of the Judicial Review Panel’s report and by courting smaller parties for coalition backing, the party seeks to mitigate political damage and uphold parliamentary stability. The coming weeks will test whether these efforts can translate into sufficient legislative support to shape the outcome of the impeachment committee and restore public confidence in the nation’s highest office.
