Ramaphosa demonstrated respect for laws – Mondli Gungubele

1st December 2022 By: Thabi Shomolekae - Creamer Media Senior Writer

Ramaphosa demonstrated respect for laws – Mondli Gungubele

Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele

Amid growing calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down, Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele states that Ramaphosa has demonstrated respect for the country’s laws, as he subjected himself to the processes of the panel established by Parliament to examine allegations relating to the Phala Phala saga.

The long-awaited Section 89 Report made damning findings against Ramaphosa relating to theft of money from his farm.

Gungubele was briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, saying the Presidency has no doubt in Ramaphosa.

He noted that the Presidency has not seen anything untoward in Ramaphosa, in as far as the laws of the country are concerned.

“I have endeavoured, throughout my tenure as President, not only to abide by my oath but to set an example of respect for the Constitution, for its institutions, for due process and the law. 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,” Ramaphosa said in the statement he made in his submission to the independent panel.

Gungubele said “the President is fine” that prima facie is not a conclusive finding on anything but is an indication that there is a need to clarify certain things.

“…[the President] was able to issue a statement yesterday and express his views on the matter thus far and he committed that he is studying the findings, also [acknowledging] the predicament it has placed the country in,” Gungubele said.

He reiterated that an announcement will be made in due course and he urged people to “respect the President’s words”.

Meanwhile, the media briefing by Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya that was scheduled for Thursday was cancelled.

December 6 has been set aside for consideration of the report by the National Assembly.

The House will consider the report, its findings and recommendations then adopt a resolution through a majority vote on whether further action by the House is necessary or not.