President Cyril Ramaphosa rejected calls for his resignation. Pic GovZa
Thokozile Mnguni
President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed the nation tonight from the Union Buildings in Pretoria following a Constitutional Court ruling on the EFF’s challenge relating to Section 89 impeachment proceedings against him.
The address comes after the court set aside a 2022 National Assembly decision on how an independent panel report was handled, ordering that it be referred to a parliamentary impeachment committee.
Ramaphosa said his role as President has always been guided by duty and responsibility.
“When I assumed the office of the Republic of South Africa, I said that it was a responsibility that I would discharge with the greatest of care,” he said.
Ramaphosa confirmed his respect for the ruling.
“I accept and respect the Constitutional Court’s ruling. I reiterate my firm commitment to the Constitution, the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law,” he said.
He said the judgment means the independent panel report must now be taken forward to an impeachment committee unless it is reviewed and overturned by a court.
Ramaphosa also confirmed he will challenge the report.
“I have therefore decided to proceed to take the independent panel’s report on review on an expeditious basis,” he said.
He rejected calls for his resignation, stressing that the court made no findings of wrongdoing against him and that he remains constitutionally in office. He added that stepping down would undermine due process and the constitutional right to judicial review.
He said, “I therefore respectfully want to make it clear that I will not resign. To do so would be to pre-empt a process defined by the Constitution, give credence to a panel report that has grave flaws, and abdicate the responsibility I assumed when I became President. To resign now would be to give in to those who seek to reverse the renewal of our society, the rebuilding of our institutions and the prosecution of corruption,” he said.
Ramaphosa said he has consistently denied any criminal wrongdoing and has cooperated with all investigations since allegations first surfaced in 2022.
He reaffirmed his intention to continue serving, focusing on economic recovery, institutional strengthening, and efforts to combat corruption.
“Guided by the rule of law and the principle of accountability, I intend to fulfil and complete the mandate that you, the people, have given me,” he said.