South Africa : President Survives Impeachment

Tension has dropped in South Africa following a decision by the country’s Parliament to vote against launching an impeachment process against President Cyril Ramaphosa. During a crucial vote in Parliament on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, the impeachment debate was laid to rest after 214 lawmakers voted against, 148 for and 2 abstention. From every indication, the vote now boosts the chances of the veteran politician to win a second term as leader of the ruling African National Congress as a key elective conference opens late this week.
The motion to impeach Ramaphosa followed a report by an independent panel appointed by parliament that accused him of serious misconduct after the theft from his private game ranch of about $500,000 to $5m in cash almost three years ago. The funds, reportedly the proceeds of the sale of cattle, were allegedly hidden in a sofa when they were taken. The scandal, dubbed “Farmgate” by local media, reopened deep divisions between factions within the party, encouraging the President’s opponents who have called for his resignation. 
Ramaphosa, who took power in 2018, has been accused of holding undeclared foreign currency, tax evasion, failing to inform police about the robbery and misusing State resources by ordering a senior Presidential bodyguard to track down the thieves, who then appear to have been paid off. He has denied all wrongdoing and launched legal ...