South Africa president faces call to resign after court ruling
A South African High Court ruling has reopened a political storm around President Cyril Ramaphosa, prompting fresh calls from opposition parties and ANC factions for him to resign. The judgment paves the way for a parliamentary inquiry to be revived. Pressure from coalition partner the DA will shape the impact.
South Africa's High Court has set aside the suspension of a parliamentary inquiry into the source of large undeclared cash found at President Cyril Ramaphosa's game farm. The ruling gives renewed momentum to opposition demands for full disclosure on the so-called Phala Phala matter.
Opposition parties and some ANC factions have called on Ramaphosa to resign in the wake of the judgment. The Democratic Alliance, the senior coalition partner, said it is reviewing whether to remain in government. A presidential spokesperson said Ramaphosa will not step down and will appeal the ruling.
The rand fell about 0.7% against the dollar after the news, as investors began pricing the risk of a prolonged coalition wobble. The court's appeal timetable and the structure of the revived parliamentary inquiry will be the next two decisive markers for both markets and the political process.
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