South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa could face impeachment after an independent panel appointed by the Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula found preliminary evidence that he violated his oath of office.
Parliament will examine the report, which was submitted on Wednesday, 30 November 2022, and decide whether to push ahead with impeachment proceedings next week. The report says:
In all the circumstances, we think that the evidence presented to the Panel, prima facie, establishes that the president may be guilty of a serious violation of certain sections of the constitution.
However, Ramaphosa immediately denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with any crimes.
A statement issued by the South African presidency on Wednesday reads in part:
I categorically deny that I have violated this oath in any way, and I similarly deny that I am guilty of any of the allegations made against me.
On Thursday, Ramaphosa delayed an appearance in parliament to answer questions, requesting time to consider the report.