Ramaphosa denies involvement in Phala Phala cover-up after Ipid report
via The Citizen12 min read
President Cyril Ramaphosa has denied any involvement in unauthorized investigations concerning the 2020 theft at his Phala Phala Game Reserve. This denial follows the 2023 Independent Police Investigative Directorate Ipid report, which detailed the alleged concealment of the theft of $580,000 in cash from his farm. The report indicates that Major General Wally Rhoode, head of Ramaphosa鈥檚 police security unit, deliberately hid the theft. A case number for the incident was only registered two years later, after former State Security Agency director-general Arthur Fraser publicly exposed it. The Ipid report recommends disciplinary action against Rhoode and Constable Hlulani Rekhoto for concealing the crime and failing to report it. Ramaphosa stated during a visit to Eskom鈥檚 Kusile Power Station that he had "nothing to do with it" and that "processes must play themselves out." In response to the Ipid report, the African Transformation Movement ATM has written to the Speaker of Parliament, Thoko Didiza, requesting the institution of Section 89 proceedings for Ramaphosa's impeachment. ATM national spokesperson Zama Ntshona described the report as a "damning indictment of the abuse of state power and the erosion of constitutional governance under Ramaphosa," citing serious breaches including failure to inform the National Police Commissioner, bypassing lawful processes, falsification of records, and misuse of public funds. The report was initially classified as "top secret" by then
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The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has launched an independent investigation into allegations that teaching posts within the department are being sold for money and sexual favors. The probe was initiated after a viral social media video surfaced, reportedly showing the wife of the department's head of communications, Muzi Mahlambi, accusing him of involvement in these activities. In the video, she claims female teachers either paid money or exchanged sexual favors to secure employment. Head of Department Nkosinathi Ngcobo ordered the independent investigation, emphasizing that the department views these allegations seriously as they impact public administration integrity and public trust. The department stated the investigation will be fair, credible, and impartial, considering all relevant evidence without fear or prejudice. They urged the public to provide any credible information to the investigating body or law enforcement authorities, committing to act decisively on the findings.
The MK party has defended its decision to appoint eThekwini's former mayor Zandile Gumede as the party's deputy convenor in KwaZulu-Natal, despite her ongoing trial for fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to a R320 million Durban Solid Waste tender. Gumede's appointment was announced at a press briefing in Durban. MK party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo stated that the party is a political organization and not prosecutors, and therefore, criminal cases do not prevent a member from joining or taking a position. He added that questions about Gumede's legal issues are not relevant to her appointment. Political analyst Theo Neethling noted that Gumede's defection is significant because she remains on trial, and her charges did not hinder her acceptance by the MK party. Neethling suggests the party prioritizes electoral advantage and organizational strength over reputational risks, especially in securing metropolitan strongholds like eThekwini. This approach aligns with the party's narrative, which, given its leader Jacob Zuma's own legal challenges, often portrays criminal charges as politically motivated.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa鈥檚 condolences following the death of former Qatari Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at 74 years old. Ramaphosa described Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader whose "legacy of peace, prosperity and global influence continues to inspire the world." He extended sympathies to Qatar's Royal Family, government, and people, highlighting South Africa's close friendship with Qatar. Ramaphosa noted that Qatar, under Sheikh Hamad's leadership, became a model of peace, development, prosperity, and global influence. Sheikh Hamad's 18-year rule saw Qatar transform from an economy reliant on oil to the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, with one of the highest per capita incomes, achieved through strategic investment in productive assets, financial institutions, infrastructure, and human capital.