Johannesburg - President Cyril Ramaphosa has again recused himself from attending the ANC’s special NEC meeting today to allow officials to discuss the Phala Phala farmgate report.
On Sunday, he also recused himself, saying he was making space for NWC officials to discuss the report concerning him freely without any fear of expression.
President #CyrilRamaphosa has again recused himself from the #ANC and #NWC meeting where the independent panel's report on #PhalaPhalaFarmgate is being discussed.
— The Star (@TheStar_news) December 5, 2022
Video: @nntombi_nkosi #PhalaPhala #Farmgate pic.twitter.com/ja46C7uakh
The ANC NWC is expected to pass its recommendation to the NEC for its deliberations taking place today.
The structures of the ANC have been racing against time to try to discuss the Section 89 independent panel report.
Last week, an independent panel found that Ramaphosa may have violated the Constitution and committed serious misconduct in relation to the Phala Phala scandal.
There has been wide speculation that Ramaphosa was ready to resign as head of state on Thursday night; however, it is reported that his allies convinced him to remain in power until the 55th National Conference taking place next week, where he is contesting for a second term.
In a radio interview, political analyst Dr Ntsikelelo Breakfast stated that Ramaphosa's Phala Phala scandal has only exposed some of the ANC's pre-existing divisions.
Breakfast said these lines are drawn between those who vouch for radical economic transformation and those who would rather defend the president. He said the matter is complex, especially as the party prepares to hold its national conference.
"Those who are part of the RET members have always had issues with Ramaphosa from day one. In the beginning it was the CR17 campaign disclosure, and they lost; now it is Phala Phala," Breakfast said.
ANC national spokesperson Pule Mabe said this morning started with honouring the late statesman president Nelson Mandela, who passed on this day nine years ago.
He said the party’s treasurer general and acting secretary general, Paul Mashatile, will brief the media about how the meeting has gone thus far later today.
Mabe announced that on December 9, there will be an NEC meeting to discuss issues related to the conference.
Outside Gate 2 of Nasrec, a group of organised crowds came in private cars and taxis to show support for Ramaphosa. The group is singing and chanting Struggle songs.
Not far from the group stands MKMVA spokesperson Carl Niehaus, and a number of MKMVA members are calling for Ramaphosa to go.
Yesterday, while picketing alone, Niehaus was confronted, pushed, and intimidated by two individuals believed to be from the Chiawelo, Soweto, branch, who made noise and declared their support for Ramaphosa.
The Star