President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa has reveled that he intends seeking a judicial review of a graft report that indicts him.
Cyril Ramaphosa has been accused of “deliberately” misleading the country’s parliament about some monies he received for his 2017 ANC election campaign.
The anti-corruption watchdog of South Africa called the public protector said on Friday that President Ramaphosa did not tell the truth about the 500,000 rand ($35,900) donation he received for his campaign for the leadership of the ruling ANC.
Addressing journalists at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Ramaphosa said the report was irrational, illegal and of lacking impartiality.
“The findings are wrong in law, are irrational and, in some instances, exceed the scope of the powers of the public protector.
“Furthermore, in failing to provide me with an opportunity to comment on the proposed remedial action, the Public Protector has violated the provisions of the Public Protector Act, the Constitution and the principles of our common law,” he said.
Allegations by opposition
Concerns about Ramaphosa’s campaign funding was first raised by the opposition last November.
The opposition requested that Ramaphosa be investigated for misleading the parliament and violating the executive ethics code regarding donations.
He is said to have received donation made to his son by Gavin Watson, CEO of services company Bosasa, for his campaign to lead the African National Congress (ANC).
Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane said on Friday that “The allegation that on 06 November 2018 during a question session in parliament, President Ramaphosa deliberately misled the National Assembly, is substantiated.”
She said the President should have allowed himself enough time to provide a well-researched explanation.
Mkhwebane told reporters that Ramaphosa has violated the constitution and breached the executive code of ethics by telling parliament he did not know his son was involved in the donation.
Court to decide
President Ramaphosa said the courts will have to give a final determination on the matter.
“Given the gravity of the matter and the effect that these finding have on the standing and credibility of both the president and the public protector, it is essential that the courts be given an opportunity to review the report and make a finding accordingly,” he said.
Spokesman for Mkhwebane, Oupa Segalwe said. on Sunday reacted to the President’s statement saying “We are not not going to comment at this stage. The Public Protector is still processing President Cyril Ramphosa’s remarks.”
Source: Africafeeds.com
