Cyril Ramaphosa

Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa, has been embroiled in a significant scandal involving allegations of misconduct related to a theft at his private game farm, Phala Phala, in 2020. The controversy centers on approximately $580,000 in cash found in a sofa at the farm, which was stolen during a break-in. A former head of South Africa’s state security agency revealed the theft in 2022, accusing Ramaphosa of money laundering and misconduct, although Ramaphosa denied any wrongdoing (ABC News). An independent parliamentary panel found initial evidence of serious misconduct, including improper reporting of the theft and unclear sources of the money, and suggested a full investigation. Despite surviving an impeachment vote in late 2022, the Constitutional Court ruled in June 2026 that the parliamentary process was flawed, reviving the possibility of impeachment proceedings (ABC News). The scandal has led to ongoing political turmoil, with Ramaphosa challenging the findings in court, describing the panel’s report as having "grave flaws." Impeachment would require a two-thirds majority in Parliament, which is currently unlikely given the ANC's reduced majority since 2024, but the process remains active (ABC News). As of June 2026, Ramaphosa continues to serve as President, with his final term due to end in 2029, amidst these allegations and investigations. There are no reports of criminal convictions or formal charges against him related to this scandal.