Ramaphosa continues to face onslaught from opposition MPs over Phala Phala

Six years since United States (US) dollars were stolen from his Phala Phala farm, President Cyril Ramaphosa continues to face an onslaught from Parliament’s opposition benches despite being cleared by State institutions of wrongdoing.

They said he still needs to account for why more than $500,000 was stashed in furniture at Ramaphosa's Limpopo farm.

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During debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Tuesday, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), ActionSA and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) once again called for him to take accountability.

While three accused currently stand trial for stealing the money from the president’s farm and going on a spending spree, opposition parties continue to needle him in Parliament about the cash.

EFF leader Julius Malema said Ramaphosa’s anti-corruption crusade rings hollow and his party won’t let the matter go.

“Your Phala Phala scandal has rendered you ineffective when dealing with corruption and incompetence in your party and in your Cabinet.”

ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip joined the chorus.

“You said corrupt criminals will face consequences, yet you yourself face no consequences for the illicit possession of foreign currency to the value of U$580,000. What’s more, you failed to report the theft of the contraband to the South African Police Services.”

The ATM’s parliamentary leader, Vuyo Zungula, who originally laid the complaint with the Public Protector, also warned it was not the end of the issue.

“Mr President, you are still going to account for Phala Phala.”

The Constitutional Court is yet to pass judgment on the EFF’s case challenging Parliament’s handling of the matter.