South Africa’s President Ramaphosa ‘is not resigning’: Spokesman

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, embroiled in scandal and under threat of impeachment, has no intention of resigning and will fight both politically and judicially, his spokesperson said.

Ramaphosa’s position came into question after an independent parliamentary panel said in a report he might have violated the oath of office with regards to millions of dollars in cash found at his private game farm.

“President Ramaphosa is not resigning based on a flawed report, [nor] is he stepping aside,” Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, told journalists by text message.

“The President has taken to heart the unequivocal message coming from the branches of the governing party who have nominated him to avail himself for a 2nd term of the leadership of the ANC.”

Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with any crimes.

On Wednesday, a three-member parliamentary panel, including a former chief justice of the country’s highest court, said Ramaphosa “may have committed” acts contrary to the law and the constitution, paving the way for impeachment proceedings.

The president has not been charged with anything at this point, and the police inquiry is ongoing.

But the scandal, complete with details of more than half a million dollars in cash being hidden under sofa cushions, comes at the worst possible moment for the president.

On December 16, Ramaphosa contests elections for the ANC presidency – a position that also holds the key to staying on as national president.