Motlanthe dismisses talk of a return to govt should Ramaphosa resign

There have been growing calls for the president to vacate office, following the publication of the report by the section 89 panel, which was tasked with establishing whether Ramaphosa had a case to answer over damning allegations linked to the robbery at his Phala Phala farm. 

The report concluded that the President had seemingly committed a serious violation of the constitution and anti-corruption laws. 

Speaking on the sidelines of the announcement of the 200 candidates for the additional national executive committee (NEC) posts, Motlanthe answered with a categorical “no” when asked if he would consider a return to government. 

At the same time, legal expert Paul Hoffman says Ramaphosa’s resignation should pave the way for his deputy, David Mabuza, to over the reins. 

“It is a very difficult political position, but in law, if he were to resign, he would be succeeded by his deputy, who is David Mabuza and Mabuza doesn't even feature as a favourite candidate for any position in the top 6 of the ANC in the conference to be held from the 16th of this month,” Hoffman says. 

ANC spokesperson, Pule Mabe admitted the developments dealt the party a reputational blow. 

“I must admit that any issue that presents itself negatively in the public, involving the ANC or its own leaders, and the matter of Phala Phala does affect the brand ANC. We have spoken about just how much this issue affects the credibility and standing of the ANC.” 

Blocking media from asking Motlanthe any questions about the Phala Phala saga during Thursday’s media briefing, Mabe called on the public to allow the NEC the space to deliberate on the matter. 

A special NEC meeting that was initially scheduled to take place virtually on Thursday evening has been moved to Friday and is expected to take place at the Nasrec Expo Centre at 11am. 

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