Defend Our Democracy calls for transparency from Ramaphosa on farm theft
Civil society organisation Defend Our Democracy has called for transparency from President Cyril Ramaphosa on the burglary at his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo.
Spokesperson Duduetsang Mmeti says the incident, which took place in 2020, has raised many unanswered questions.
“While the president intends to subject himself to the ANC’s integrity committee, and has indicated that he will follow due process in relation to the investigation by the Hawks, we believe that transparency about what had occurred is within the public’s interest.
“The incident raises many unanswered questions and clarity is required about whether the law, at any point, may have been broken.”
Ramaphosa has so far remained mum on the details of the incident, except to say he will cooperate with the investigation by law enforcement authorities.
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“In assuming office, President Ramaphosa promised to restore public confidence in government through accountability, transparency and tackling corruption,” says Mmeti.
“We therefore call on the president to take the nation into his confidence and directly address the concerns that have been publicly raised about the reported theft.”
Several opposition parties, and even some in the ANC, have called on Ramaphosa to step aside following the explosive revelation that a large amount of foreign currency was stolen from the game farm.
However, Ramaphosa told reporters on Friday during a press conference that he would not be doing so, as he believes it would interfere with the probe.
