ANC veteran Tokyo Sexwale has publicly challenged President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala farm scandal, labeling the President’s explanation regarding stolen US dollars as a “cock and bull story.” Sexwale, a highly influential political figure and former Robben Island prisoner, voiced his criticism during an interview on the SMWX podcast.
The controversy centers on the theft of cash from the President’s Phala Phala farm. President Ramaphosa has maintained that the funds were proceeds from the sale of cattle and game to a Sudanese businessman, Hazim Mustafa and were left at the farm to secure future purchases. Sexwale dismissed this account, stating, “The entire explanation surrounding the hidden cash is a cock-and-bull story. It’s a childish story.”
Institutional Concerns and Accountability
Sexwale argued that the President must appear before the newly formed parliamentary impeachment committee to answer for the incident. He specifically questioned the circumstances surrounding the foreign businessman’s entry into South Africa, noting that airport and revenue service records indicate no record of the individual’s arrival. He warned that the scandal is damaging the credibility of vital state institutions, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB).
This development follows a December 2022 Constitutional Court ruling that found the National Assembly acted unlawfully when it initially rejected an independent panel report into the matter. That panel had identified prima facie evidence of a potential serious constitutional violation. In response, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza initiated a 31-member Section 89 Impeachment Committee to review the findings and determine if the President should be removed.
What Lies Ahead
The impeachment committee is tasked with compiling a final report on whether the President should be removed from office. While most political parties have submitted their representatives to the 31-member body, the ANC has reportedly experienced delays in its own deployment process due to internal disputes. Analysts suggest that once the inquiry begins its sessions, it could expose systemic issues within SAPS, SARS, and SARB, potentially complicating the political survival of both the President and the ANC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Tokyo Sexwale calling for the President to appear before an impeachment committee?
Sexwale believes the President’s explanation regarding the origin of the stolen cash is dishonest and insists that the circumstances must be tested through an official parliamentary process.
What is the status of the impeachment committee?
The 31-member committee was established by Speaker Thoko Didiza following a Constitutional Court ruling. While most parties have submitted their representatives, the ANC has faced delays in finalizing its own list of members.
What does the analyst Sandile Swana predict regarding the inquiry?
Swana suggests that a full inquiry may reveal that officials within SAPS, SARS, and SARB did not perform their duties properly, which could negatively impact the standing of the President and the ANC.
Do you believe the forthcoming impeachment committee proceedings will provide the clarity South Africans are seeking regarding the Phala Phala scandal?