Half a million dollars under the couch cushion: South Africa’s president needs an explanation Half a million dollars under the couch pillow: South Africa’s president needs an explanation

Half a million dollars, hidden under sofa cushions, put pressure on South African head of state Cyril Ramaphosa.

Why does the 70-year-old keep so much money on his cattle ranch? And where does it come from? Ramaphosa cannot answer the questions with crystal clarity and credibility – and so his silence could plunge South Africa into a government crisis.

On Friday afternoon, the leadership of his ruling ANC party wanted to meet for a crisis meeting and discuss Ramaphosa’s future. As announced by party spokesman Paul Mabe, the meeting will now be postponed to next Sunday at short notice. But the delay points to deep divisions within the African National Congress (ANC) – and an ex-president who wants to capitalize on Ramaphosa’s mistakes.

What is Ramaphosa accused of?

Ramaphosa has been under pressure for weeks. In November, a parliamentary inquiry concluded that Ramaphosa had violated an anti-corruption law and the constitution. It involved a robbery that reportedly stole $4 million in cash from the president’s private buffalo ranch in 2020 — well over half a million Ramaphosa admitted to the Commission of Inquiry. Moreover, Ramaphosa had initially only reported the robbery, but not the disappearance of the money.

Ramaphosa later tried to explain the origin of the half million dollars by selling cattle – but the animals were still on his farm. His statements had cast doubts on the president’s sincerity.

What’s behind the scandal?

However, the credibility of the commission’s report is also in question. The report is largely based on unverified evidence and hearsay, making it “legally flawed,” says legal scholar and political commentator Richard Calland. No president should be forced to resign over a report that is not 100% credible. Such a firing would have serious implications for democracy, Calland said.

It was South Africa’s former spy chief Arthur Fraser who in June sued Ramaphosa for money laundering and bribery. Fraser, himself accused of nepotism and corruption, is a close ally of ex-President Jacob Zuma. The complaint against Ramaphosa came at a critical time for Zuma – the corruption proceedings against him, which had dragged on for years, had started again. Fraser is playing a dangerous political game with the aim of provoking factional war, says South African investigative journalist and commentator Kyle Cowan.

According to political experts, the allegations against Ramaphosa are less about corruption and more about political power games within the ANC, which is divided into two camps: one about Ramaphosa and one about Zuma. After taking office, Ramaphosa announced the fight against corruption and for the rule of law, widening the gap. The split within the party became particularly apparent in mid-2021, when Ramaphosa refused to give in to calls for Zuma’s release. He was arrested after he refused to testify in a corruption investigation.

For days, Zuma’s arrest was followed by violent rioting and looting in various parts of South Africa, but especially in Zuma’s home province of KwaZulu-Natal. Millions of damages were caused and more than 300 people were killed. Analysts at the time suspected that the riots were organized by Zuma supporters to put pressure on Ramaphosa.

Who is President Ramaphosa?

Ramaphosa is one of the richest men in South Africa. More than 20 years ago, the former trade union official had retired from politics and founded an investment company that is active in various sectors. In 2017, the company surfaced in connection with the Paradise Papers, which exposed global tax evasion. Ramaphosa is also a passionate cattle breeder and in 2017 published a book about an East African domestic breed of cattle. Now, of all things, his cattle could cost him the presidency.

(yam/sda/dpa)