By Enyichukwu Enemanna
A spokesperson from the Office of the South African President on Saturday said President Cyril Ramaphosa will not resign on the account of alleged violation of oath of office in regards to millions of dollars in cash that was found at his private game farm, which the media has dubbed “Farmgate”.
According to the spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa will seek a second term as leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) after allies rallied behind him to stay on in office.
Ramaphosa’s position as the country’s leader came into question after an independent panel of inquiry said in a report he might have violated oath of office in regards to millions of dollars in cash found at his private game farm.
“President Ramaphosa is not resigning based on a flawed report, neither is he stepping aside,” Magwenya told journalists by text message.
“The President has taken to heart the unequivocal message coming from the branches of the governing party who have nominated him to avail himself for a 2nd term of the leadership of the ANC.”
The president would challenge the report and its findings, the spokesperson said.
“It is in the long term interest and sustainability of our constitutional democracy… that such a clearly flawed report is challenged.”
Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with any crimes.
The members of the ANC are expected to meet at National Working Committee meeting on Sunday which will be followed by a National Executive Committee meeting on Monday where they will decide the future course of action for Ramaphosa, the ANC said.
