President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that if charges were brought against him relating to the handling of the theft of money from his Limpopo farm, then processes of the African National Congress (ANC) would take place.

Former spy boss Arthur Fraser divulged that a theft, involving significant amounts foreign currency, took place on Ramaphosa’s farm in 2020.

He has opened charges against the President for failing to report the theft, in breach of the Ethics Code.

Ramaphosa addressed the media on Friday following his appearance in the National Assembly where he said he was following the process outlined by the ANC at its 54^th Congress.

When asked if he would follow the step aside rule he said he would wait for the police investigations to be carried out first.

He said he had also made himself available to the ANC Integrity Committee to discuss the theft. He is awaiting a date to appear before the committee.

“If I step aside, it will be confirming that I am guilty,” said Ramaphosa.  

When asked about Fraser opening a case against him, Ramaphosa said Fraser has a right to report criminality if he saw fit, as it is the right of any South African citizen to do so.

On the suspension of the Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane he said the matter was already on the table as early as March.

He dismissed the argument that Mkhwebane was suspended because the farm theft matter had been referred to her office by the African Transformation Movement.

Ramaphosa explained that he had given the Public Protector more than 10 days to outline why she should not be suspended.

He reiterated that the work of the Public Protector would be taken over by her deputy and would not be affected. 

ECONOMY

The President said he was looking forward to BRICS discussions on South Africa having a Covid-19 vaccination centre and discussions on strengthening trade.

BRICS includes five major emerging economies Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The meeting will also hear a briefing from Russian President Vladimir Putin who is currently invading Ukraine.

On the issue of Comair liquidation he said it had to do with the limited resources that government had and the ability to be able to support the companies broadly.

He said it was never good when companies collapsed and that government must look at all industries microscopically to understand the challenges and the needs of the sectors.