Cyril Ramaphosa has launched a legal challenge against a panel report that found he may have committed misconduct in the controversial “Farmgate” scandal involving stolen cash hidden inside furniture at his farm.
According to reports by South African broadcaster eNCA, Ramaphosa is seeking to overturn the 2022 findings, arguing that the panel relied on hearsay evidence and misunderstood its constitutional mandate.
The scandal erupted after reports emerged that about $580,000 in cash was stolen from Ramaphosa’s farm in 2020. The money was allegedly hidden inside a sofa at the property, raising questions about how the funds were obtained, whether they were properly declared, and why they were not deposited in a bank.
Ramaphosa, who has consistently denied wrongdoing, said the money came from the sale of buffaloes at his farm. A South African central bank investigation later concluded that he had not violated exchange control regulations.
The president’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the latest court filing.
The “Farmgate” controversy has remained one of the biggest political challenges facing Ramaphosa since he assumed office in 2018 on promises to tackle corruption and restore confidence in the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
In 2022, ANC lawmakers blocked efforts to begin impeachment proceedings against the president. However, South Africa’s Constitutional Court ruled earlier this month that the parliamentary vote was invalid and that the allegations required further investigation.
Ramaphosa, 73, has said he respects the court ruling despite mounting pressure from opposition groups calling for his resignation.
Political analysts believe the president is likely to survive any renewed impeachment process due to continued backing from the ANC, which recently reaffirmed its support for him.
Although the ANC lost its parliamentary majority in the 2024 general election, the party still controls about 40 per cent of seats in the National Assembly, making it difficult for opponents to secure the required two-thirds majority needed for impeachment.
Ramaphosa’s current presidential term is expected to run until 2029.
