John Hlophe, parliamentary leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to come clean about the transactions involved in the Phala Phala scandal. Hlophe’s inquiry also extends to the vetting process of the individual who cleared Ramaphosa at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
During Ramaphosa’s oral reply session in the National Assembly, Hlophe posed a supplementary question. He sought clarity on why the President withdrew his application to the Constitutional Court, aimed at reviewing the Section 89 Phala Phala Report’s recommendations.
Also Read: Ramaphosa Cleared of Phala Phala Corruption Charges
The report, led by retired Chief Justice Ngcobo, implicated Ramaphosa in corruption at Phala Phala Farm and suggested he violated his oath of office.
Hlophe pressed Ramaphosa to explain the presence of US dollars at the farm, given that South Africa’s transactions are conducted in rands. He questioned whether these transactions were legitimate, emphasizing that a president cannot conduct business while in office. Additionally, Hlophe asked if the person who cleared Ramaphosa at the NPA was thoroughly vetted.
President Ramaphosa responded by requesting that opposition MPs allow the Constitutional Court process to unfold. He stated that the National Assembly had already addressed the matter, and the decision is now subject to litigation.
Ramaphosa suggested that the court should handle the issue and that various institutions have already responded to the questions raised by Hlophe, making the information public.
