Presidency: Ramaphosa won’t challenge Phala Phala report
President Cyril Ramaphosa has decided not to challenge the findings of the Phala Phala panel set up by Parliament.
His spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says the president doesn't believe the report carries any weight in law.
Magwenya briefed the media on the president's diary and other issues at the Union Buildings on Monday.
The independent panel found prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa violated his oath of office during and following the robbery at his farm in Limpopo in February 2020.
The Constitutional Court dismissed his application for direct access to the apex court.
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"The president has thus been advised not to institute proceedings before the High Court for the review and setting aside of the Panel Report, at this stage,” Magwenya said.
“President Ramaphosa reserves his right to bring such proceedings in due course should circumstances change. The President maintains his position set out in his founding affidavit before the Constitutional Court that the Panel Report is reviewable in law on several grounds including the misconception of its mandate, the grave errors of law, and the unfounded conclusions of fact."
On the Russia-Ukraine war, Magwenya said the government remained deeply concerned about the conflict that has claimed many lives.
"As a continent, we are also directly impacted by this conflict. It is increasing every day the risk of food and security in our continent as we have seen with the escalating crises of grain as well as fertiliser. So there could have been no other time for this initiative to take place and for a push which does not only come from the continent but comes from other parts of the world as well to see the end to this conflict."
