By Michael Andisile Mayalo
The Phala Phala scandal has become an inescapable cloud over President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership, threatening to undermine his credibility and tarnish the promise of a new era of integrity and accountability in South Africa.
The allegations surrounding the robbery at his private game farm in 2020-where large sums of foreign currency were reportedly stolen-have raised serious questions about his conduct and transparency.
While Ramaphosa has enjoyed political protection up to this point, it is clear that the time has come for him to step up, stop evading accountability, and face the consequences of his actions. At the heart of the Phala Phala affair is the President’s failure to follow the proper legal channels when the crime occurred.
Rather than immediately reporting the robbery to authorities, Ramaphosa allegedly took steps to conceal the incident, opting to resolve the matter privately. This lack of transparency, coupled with claims of intimidation and the use of presidential resources to cover up the crime, suggests that the President may have been more concerned with protecting his wealth and personal reputation than upholding the rule of law.
Such actions are deeply troubling for any public official, especially the head of state, who is supposed to be an example of the highest moral and ethical standards. The public has a right to know what happened at Phala Phala.
It is not enough for Ramaphosa to claim that everything was above board, or that the matter was simply a "botched robbery" mishandled by overzealous aides. The President is the custodian of public trust, and when allegations of criminal activity emerge, he is responsible for ensuring that the truth comes to light. For the sake of South Africa’s democracy, Ramaphosa must be held accountable in the same way that any citizen would be if they were accused of breaking the law. There are already multiple indications that the President may have acted unlawfully.
The decision not to report the crime to law enforcement, coupled with the apparent involvement of individuals close to Ramaphosa in attempts to silence whistleblowers and cover up the details of the robbery, suggests that something more than a simple theft may have occurred. The very nature of the allegations—the concealment of large sums of foreign currency, the use of presidential staff to manage the fallout, and the potential for abuse of power- raises fundamental concerns about whether the President’s actions were entirely in line with the law.
The failure to publicly address these concerns transparently only exacerbates the situation. Instead of providing clarity, Ramaphosa’s response to the allegations has largely been defensive, relying on his political allies within the ANC to shield him from scrutiny. While this might provide short-term political cover, it undermines the principles of accountability that the President has championed during his time in office. The people of South Africa, who have been subject to years of political scandals and economic hardship, deserve a leader willing to confront uncomfortable truths head-on—not one who hides behind political manoeuvring and a network of loyalists.
At this critical juncture, the President must acknowledge that no one is above the law. The South African public did not elect Ramaphosa as another leader who avoids responsibility when misconduct allegations arise. The President has repeatedly positioned himself to champion good governance and accountability. Still, these lofty ideals mean nothing if he is unwilling to hold himself accountable when his conduct is questioned.
The Phala Phala scandal is not just a matter of personal integrity but also about restoring trust in South Africa’s institutions. If the President is allowed to escape scrutiny, it sets a dangerous precedent: one where influential individuals can act with impunity, regardless of their position. Such a precedent would undermine the rule of law, embolden corruption, and erode public trust in the government and its leaders. To restore that trust, Ramaphosa must immediately commit to a full, transparent investigation into the events surrounding Phala Phala.
If the investigation reveals that he acted improperly—whether through failure to report the crime, tampering with evidence, or using his office to cover up the incident- he must be prepared to face the consequences. The law must run its course, regardless of his political position or personal wealth. The President’s willingness to submit to such an investigation would send the nation a powerful message: no one, not even the highest officeholder in the land, is above the law. The people of South Africa have already suffered the consequences of political leaders who prioritize their own interests over those of the public. Ramaphosa promised to be different, to be a president who would restore the office's dignity and the people's trust. But his ability to fulfil this promise is now at a crossroads. If he truly wants to be the leader South Africa needs, he must stop hiding behind political protection and face the truth of the Phala Phala allegations. Only by doing so can he begin to rebuild the credibility of his presidency and restore faith in the nation’s leadership. In the end, Ramaphosa’s legacy will be determined not by his political savvy or his business acumen, but by his willingness to act with integrity and be held accountable for his actions. The time for excuses and delays is over. The President must account for Phala Phala more, no less. Anything less would betray the people who entrusted him with the highest office in the land.
Mayalo is an independent writer, analyst, and commentator