South Africa's Ramaphosa says he will not resign as impeachment fight advances

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says he will legally challenge a report that could pave the way for parliamentary impeachment proceedings over the Phala Phala cash-theft scandal.

He said on Monday: "I remain here and am not resigning," ending days of speculation over whether he would step down.

The dispute centres on a Constitutional Court ruling last week that found parliament acted unconstitutionally when it blocked an impeachment inquiry in 2022.

An independent panel had found there was prima facie evidence that Ramaphosa may have committed serious misconduct in the way he handled the matter.

He has denied wrongdoing and says the money came from the legitimate sale of buffalo from his farming business.

The ruling matters because it keeps alive a process that could lead to opposition efforts to remove a sitting president from office.

Ramaphosa's decision to seek a court review suggests the legal battle may now become the main focus of the case.

The controversy stems from the Phala Phala scandal, in which thousands of dollars were stolen from furniture at his game farm.

Ramaphosa argues the report relied on hearsay evidence and wants it set aside.

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