Status: 02.12.2022 18:02
There is a crisis in South Africa’s government: it’s about presidential cash and unsold cattle, dubious investigations, a powerful ex-president and power within the governing party, the ANC.
Half a million US dollars, hidden under sofa cushions, put South Africa’s head of state Cyril Ramaphosa under pressure. Why is the 70-year-old storing so much cash on his farm? And where is it from? Ramaphosa cannot answer the questions crystal clear and credibly – and so South Africa could slide into a government crisis because of its silence.
On Friday afternoon, the leadership of his ruling ANC party wanted to meet for a crisis meeting and discuss Ramaphosa’s future. As announced by party spokesman Paul Mabe, the meeting will now be postponed to December 4 at short notice. But the delay points to a deep division within the African National Congress (ANC) – and an ex-president looking to capitalize on Ramaphosa’s mistakes.
Where do the president’s millions come from?
The president, who is one of the richest men in South Africa, has been under pressure for weeks. In November, a parliamentary inquiry concluded that Ramaphosa had violated an anti-corruption law and the constitution.
Why is? A robbery allegedly stole $4 million from the president’s private farm in 2020 – well over the half million Ramaphosa admitted to the investigative committee.
President Ramaphosa has a complex and expensive hobby – is this farm now politically his undoing?
Image: AP
In addition, Ramaphosa had originally only reported the robbery, but not the disappearance of the money. Ramaphosa later tried to explain the origin of the half million dollars by selling cattle – but the animals were still on his farm.
Doubtful investigation report
However, the credibility of the investigation report is also up for debate. The report is based largely on unverified evidence and hearsay, making it “legally flawed,” says legal scholar and political commentator Richard Calland. No president should be forced to resign because of a report that is not 100% credible. Such a resignation would have serious consequences for democracy, Calland said.
It was South Africa’s former spy chief Arthur Fraser who sued Ramaphosa in June for money laundering and bribery. Fraser, who is himself accused of nepotism and corruption, is a close ally of ex-President Jacob Zuma. The complaint against Ramaphosa came at a critical time for Zuma – the corruption proceedings against him, which had dragged on for years, had picked up speed again.
Is it about corruption or power games?
Fraser is playing a dangerous political game with the aim of inciting a factional war, says South African investigative journalist and commentator Kyle Cowan. According to political experts, the allegations against Ramaphosa are less about corruption and more about political power games within the ANC, which is divided into two camps – one about Ramaphosa and one about Zuma.
After taking office, Ramaphosa announced the fight against corruption and for the rule of law, thereby widening the gap. The split within the party became particularly clear in mid-2021, when Ramaphosa refused to give in to calls for Zuma’s release. He was arrested after refusing to testify in a corruption investigation.
At the time, Zuma’s arrest was followed by violent riots and looting in several parts of South Africa for days, and more than 300 people lost their lives.