Ramaphosa’s ‘Farmgate’ Scandal: What You Need to Know
Three individuals accused of breaking into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s South African game farm in 2020, and stealing millions in foreign currency, are set to face trial on Monday. This case, tied to an event nearly toppled the president two years prior, has captured significant attention.
RAMAPHOSA FACES SCANDAL BUT CLEARED
The “Farmgate” scandal nearly cost Ramaphosa his position as the leader of the African National Congress in late 2022. The ongoing corruption issues within the ANC further weakened the party, causing it to lose its majority in the closely contested May elections, a pivotal moment in South Africa’s democracy.
Ramaphosa has maintained his innocence, and in June 2023, the anti-corruption watchdog exonerated him from any conflict of interest allegations surrounding the large sum of money found hidden on his Phala Phala game farm.
THE ORIGINS OF THE SCANDAL
This scandal became public in June 2022 when Arthur Fraser, South Africa’s former spy chief, filed a report accusing Ramaphosa of money laundering, corruption, and concealing a major theft of cash.
Fraser claimed that thieves broke into Ramaphosa’s game farm in February 2020, discovering at least $4 million in foreign currency hidden in the furniture, which they stole.
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As the police launched a criminal investigation, questions arose in the media about the source of Ramaphosa’s funds and whether he had reported it to the tax authorities. Ramaphosa confirmed the break-in but denied any wrongdoing, stating that the amount stolen was much smaller and was from the game sale. He also denied any cover-up, claiming he was not present during the robbery and had reported it once informed.
The three suspects were apprehended in November 2023.
IMPACT AND AFTERMATH
This event has been a significant embarrassment for Ramaphosa, who has consistently advocated for an anti-corruption stance. Despite the scandal, his political opponents were unable to remove him from power. In 2018, Ramaphosa succeeded Jacob Zuma with a promise to tackle corruption within the government.
Ramaphosa led the ANC in the elections earlier this year, securing a second full term as president. However, the party lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years, forcing it into a coalition government with smaller parties.
Helen Zille, a prominent figure in the Democratic Alliance, was quoted as saying the newly formed government would likely protect Ramaphosa from any impeachment efforts related to the scandal.
THE INVESTIGATION
A detailed report by acting Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka found no evidence supporting allegations that Ramaphosa breached his oath of office or risked conflicts of interest between his duties and private matters.
The report did document a receipt for the buffalo sale tied to the cash, although whether the funds were reported to tax authorities was not part of the watchdog’s investigation.
Ramaphosa’s ‘Farmgate’ Scandal: What You Need to Know
