South Africa’s parliament to debate Ramaphosa ‘Farmgate’ report By Reuters

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) – South Africa’s parliament was on Tuesday set to debate a report by a panel of specialists that discovered preliminary proof President Cyril Ramaphosa could have dedicated misconduct over a stash of international foreign money hidden at his personal sport farm.

Ramaphosa has denied wrongdoing over the scandal, which has been dubbed “Farmgate” by the media. He has challenged the report in courtroom and never been charged with any crime, however some opponents have referred to as for his resignation.

Afterward Tuesday lawmakers will vote on whether or not to undertake the panel report, which might set off the beginning of an impeachment course of.

However the vote just isn’t anticipated to move, after the governing African Nationwide Congress (ANC) celebration – which has a majority of seats within the Nationwide Meeting – final week informed its parliamentary caucus to reject it.

The vote comes days earlier than an ANC management contest that may resolve whether or not Ramaphosa will get to run for a second time period on the celebration ticket at a 2024 election.

The international foreign money hidden in furnishings at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala sport farm was stolen in 2020 however solely got here to gentle in June. The theft has raised questions on how Ramaphosa, who got here to energy on the promise to battle graft, acquired the cash and whether or not he declared it.

Ramaphosa has stated a a lot smaller sum of money than the hundreds of thousands of {dollars} reported was taken and that it was the proceeds of sport gross sales. He stated he reported the theft when he heard about it, opposite to allegations.