President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly rejected calls for his resignation, declaring that he will remain in office despite mounting political pressure following a recent Constitutional Court judgment linked to Section 89 impeachment proceedings.
Addressing the nation from the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Monday evening, Ramaphosa said the court ruling did not compel him to step down and stressed that he intended to continue serving the people of South Africa.
“I therefore respectfully want to make it clear that I will not resign,” the President said during the televised national address.
The address followed last week’s Constitutional Court judgment in a case brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) challenging the National Assembly’s handling of Section 89 proceedings related to the Phala Phala matter.
The court ruled that certain aspects of Parliament’s rules governing the removal of a president were unconstitutional and ordered that the report of the independent panel investigating Ramaphosa be referred to Parliament’s impeachment committee.
However, Ramaphosa emphasised that the Constitutional Court did not make any findings regarding his alleged conduct or determine that he had committed misconduct.
“The Constitutional Court made no finding of any kind regarding my alleged conduct,” he said. “The Court made no finding on whether there was prima facie evidence of misconduct, nor if the alleged conduct, if established, justifies impeachment and the removal of the President.”
The President also confirmed that he would launch a legal review of the independent panel’s report, arguing that he believes the report contains “grave flaws” in both law and fact.
He said this move was based on legal advice and aligned with the Constitutional Court’s own recognition that the report could still be reviewed by a court.
Ramaphosa maintained that resigning at this stage would undermine constitutional processes and embolden forces seeking to derail reforms aimed at rebuilding state institutions and fighting corruption.
“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.
The President reflected on the challenges facing the country, including economic pressures, organised crime and corruption, while defending the progress made under his administration over the past eight years.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to implement the recommendations of the State Capture Commission, recover stolen funds, prosecute alleged perpetrators of corruption and strengthen law enforcement institutions.
Ramaphosa said he remained committed to completing the mandate given to him by South Africans and vowed to continue advancing economic recovery, institutional reform and social renewal.
“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.
The President’s remarks are expected to intensify political debate in the coming days as opposition parties push for accountability while supporters rally behind his decision to remain in office.
