The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has called for the impeachment of President Cyril Ramaphosa following the release of a damning IPID report into the Phala Phala farm theft, and has urged Parliament to act without bias on the matter.
Image: IOL Graphics / Shaakirah Lagadien
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) says it expects National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza to act without bias after Parliament confirmed it had received the party’s request to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal.
The request follows a damning report by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) into the alleged cover-up of the 2020 theft at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in Limpopo.
The report, declassified last week, relates to the theft of about $580,000 (roughly R8 million at the time), which was allegedly hidden inside a sofa at the farm.
ActionSA and ATM secured the report’s release through a Promotion of Access to Information Act application after suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu indicated last year that it would remain classified.
The IPID report recommends disciplinary action against Major General Wally Rhoode, head of the Presidential Protection Unit, and Constable HH Rekhoto.
Rekhoto is attached to the Presidential Protection Services Unit at Head Office, Pretoria.
They are accused of concealing the theft, conducting an unauthorised investigation using state resources, falsifying official documents, and bringing the South African Police Service (SAPS) into disrepute.
Parliament confirmed receipt of the ATM’s correspondence.
“The correspondence from the African Transformation Movement is received,” Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo told IOL News.
“The Speaker is currently applying her mind to its contents and will be guided by the Constitution, the rules of the National Assembly, and established parliamentary processes in arriving at any decision.”
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has called for the impeachment of President Cyril Ramaphosa following the release of a damning IPID report into the Phala Phala farm theft.
Image: IOL graphics
Speaking to IOL News, ATM spokesperson Zama Ntshona welcomed Parliament’s acknowledgement and called on Didiza to remain objective.
“Our expectation is that the Speaker applies her mind to the matter in a non-partisan and impartial manner, allowing space for this issue to be ventilated. It has gone on for far too long,” Ntshona said.
“We cannot have a President who has a cloud hanging over his head.”
Ntshona said the political landscape had shifted following the 2024 general elections, weakening the dominance of a single party.
“The 2024 elections changed the narrative significantly. The ANC can no longer rely on its majority to shield important matters,” he said.
He added that parties within the Government of National Unity (GNU) would face a critical choice: whether to protect an individual or uphold democratic principles.
Ntshona also questioned the apparent inconsistency in how the law is applied.
“The point is simple: why should the $580,000 found in couches be treated differently?” he said.
“What we seek is the entrenchment of the rule of law and the principle that all citizens are equal before it.”
Meanwhile, IOL News previously reported that analysts, civil society organisations and anti-corruption groups have raised concerns that accountability may be limited to lower-ranking officials.
Forum for South Africa (FOSA) leader Tebogo Mashilompane criticised Ramaphosa’s handling of the matter.
“When a crime occurs, it must be reported to the authorities, not handled privately,” Mashilompane said.
He alleged the president attempted to conceal the presence of the money.
“The money was not even supposed to be there. If it had been reported properly, it would have triggered an official investigation. Instead, the matter only came to light after it was leaked,” he said.
Mashilompane added that the president is not above the Constitution.
“We cannot have a president with a gangster attitude. We need ethical leadership. His conduct was wrong and must be condemned. He must either step down or be impeached.”
Activists and Citizens Forum spokesperson Dennis Bloem echoed similar concerns, describing the incident as a long-suspected cover-up.
“The police are responsible for handling crime, not private protection units,” Bloem said.
“Ramaphosa should have reported the matter to law enforcement authorities. His actions were unlawful, and he must be held accountable.”
Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) CEO Wayne Duvenage questioned the broader circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The key issue is the extent of the president’s knowledge. Whose money was it, and why was it on his property?” Duvenage said.
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) says it expects National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to act impartially after submitting a request to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Image: IOL graphics
Policing analyst and whistleblower Patricia Mashale said the report’s release was an important step but warned against limiting accountability.
“It is encouraging that the report is finally public,” she said.
“However, accountability cannot stop at junior or mid-level officials. There are still critical questions about the chain of command and who knew what, and when.”
She added that failing to address these questions would undermine public trust in both the police service and the presidency.
“If accountability ends with two officers, it will feel incomplete,” she said.
However, last week Ramaphosa pushed back against allegations stemming from the IPID report, which relates to claims of a possible cover-up in the Phala Phala case.
“The IPID report is what you would have read. I had nothing to do with it.”
“So that is a process. I’ve always said processes must play themselves out and all these matters are being handled by the right institutions, and we must allow those institutions to handle those matters,” Ramaphosa said on the sidelines of his visit to Kusile Power Station on Friday.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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