The allegations of theft and cover-up on one of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farms have serious consequences attached to them.
If the investigation reveals that the president is, indeed, guilty, then it will pave the way for a raft of knock-on effects.
Political commentator Justice Malala believes that should Ramaphosa be criminally charged he will have to vacate his position as party and state president as the ANC’s step-aside rule, which Ramaphosa and his allies fought hard to have in place, would have to be implemented.
Ramaphosa and his camp couldn’t very well ignore the rule now seeing as they were its biggest proponents.
Malala writes that what is even more dangerous is with Ramaphosa out of the picture a successor would have to be chosen and there aren’t very many to choose from that would share the president’s political philosophy.
Malala contends that the Zuma faction of the party would storm the castle and seize control, which would open the flood gates to further state capture.
Commentator Stephen Grootes concurs with Malala’s assessment that the door would be wide open for the radical economic transformation (RET) faction to walk through and recapture the party.
Grootes contends that the allegations do at least carry with them some truth and cites a report published on Daily Maverick and compiled by the investigative journalism house amaBhungane.
The report independently verifies some of the claims surrounding the case, but Grootes believes the biggest loser in the saga won’t necessarily be Ramaphosa but rather the ANC itself.
When the 2024 national elections come around will the ANC still be seen as having a credible, honest, and ethical leader if Ramaphosa isn’t around to head the ticket?
Here’s a round-up of what we’re reading:
Adriaan Basson | Is this Ramaphosa’s Nixon moment? – News24 (for subscribers)
Mpumelelo Mkhabela | The Ramaphosa theft has added spice to the ANC leadership battle – News24 (for subscribers)
ANDILE KHUMALO: Buying a bank is tricky, but African Bank cut a better deal than Capitec – Sunday Times (for subscribers)
BUSISIWE MAVUSO: SA needs Chinese-like commitment to its development plan – Business Day (for subscribers)
CILLIERS BRINK: Municipal bill a victory against cadre deployment – Business Day
Cyril Ramaphosa | Fuel levy can’t remain suspended indefinitely but there are other things we can do – News24
The four looming threats stalking the global economy – Daily Maverick
Renewables are more costly and risky the deeper you dig – Daily Friend
War in Ukraine – A battle fought in the minds – The Citizen
(Image: President Cyril Ramaphosa, GCIS)
