I doubt if President will survive the scandal that is currently on everyone’s mind. Everyone seems to have an opinion on what should happen to President Cyril Ramaphosa following the criminal charges laid against him by former SSA DG Arthur Fraser. Several people have adequate calls for Ramaphosa to step down.
As pressure mounts on President Cyril Ramaphosa over his role in covering up the robbery at his Phala Phala farm in February 2020, an opposition party leader wants him suspended while a probe is under way. On Monday, General Bantu Holomisa, wrote an explosive letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. In the letter, Holomisa is demanding that the matter be probed while Ramaphosais on suspension. Holomisa is an anti-corruption crusader who leads the UDM (United Democratic Movement). Holomisa wants parliament to investigate allegations that President Cyril Ramaphosa may be complicit in alleged criminality after the theft of millions of dollars at his Phala Phala farm in 2020.
According to Holomisa, the allegations agains the Head of State have been greatly destructive of the country’s image. The country’s image has even dented both at home and abroad, and this may affect investor confidence negatively. Ramaphosa has always been perceived as the champion of good governance and now this bomb has burst over his very own head. In my opinion, Holomisa is right. We don’t want investors to view us as a corrupt country and pull out their investments. That would be a serious blow to the economy.
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa has maintained that his hands are clean. Delivering his key note address at the closing of the ANC Limpopo conference, he said it was clear this was part of a political agenda. Ramaphosa is adamant that “dirty politics” were behind allegations that he was involved in crime. The President says he has never stolen money from anyone…”be it our taxpayers, be it from anyone, I’ve never done so. I’ve never stolen money from taxpayers. My integrity as a leader will never allow me to do so.”
Holomisa doesn’t buy Ramaphosa’s explanation on the matter. He said he was turning to parliament given the alleged involvement of the police and the SSA in covering up the matter, but also because parliament has a constitutional responsibility to conduct oversight on the executive. Holomisa says retired judges should be appointed to investigate the matter. Looks like there are no thinkers in the UDM. This is now a matter that is in the hands of the courts. The NPA will establish the truth about the allegations and act accordingly. Why should every challenge in SA be referred to retired judges? Are they the paragons of virtue?
Holomisa insisted that the President should be given a short “sabbatical leave”. But why a “short sabbatical” though? Isn’t the policy for one to step aside as soon as allegations are made? Just asking for a friend who is new to SA politics.