By Neelam Rahim

There are more and more calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down. The latest buzz on the President to vacate his position while the Phala Phala farm scandal is being investigated is ANC liberation struggle veteran Mavuso Msimang. It is also believed that ANC members loyal to former president Jacob Zuma plan to come down from KZN to demonstrate in front of Luthuli House.

Radio Islam discusses with Mavuso Msimang.

According to Mavuso, the decision to publically call on the President to step down results in the President being publically accountable. 

Arthur Fraser accused the President of having stolen a sum of money from his farm and not reporting it. The President then responded to the public by admitting a break-in that day. Secondly, he has indicated that there was money from proceeds of trades in wildlife and domestic animals. After which, he said that he would not be telling the nation details until legal proceedings had finished.

He says this kind of answer admits to the existence of something very unusual. Not knowing the time of this investigation, the nation cannot wait until that happens as it is crucial in terms of accountability that he tends to the country. 

Mavuso added that what the President has disclosed leaves more questions than answers and that none of his solutions would prejudice the legal proceedings.

One of the few remaining ANC veterans, Mavuso has been part of the ANC since 1968. 

According to Mavuso, things that have happened for roughly 15 years, definitely during the period of Jacob Zuma as President, have plunged this country into a challenging situation. 

He says the first instance is corruption. After a long time and a lot of money had been spent, the Zondo commission confirmed that state capture did exist and involved members of the ANC.

Cyril Ramaphosa had come into office on beating drums of fighting corruption. We supported him vigorously and still do so today should he continue the fight against corruption, Mavuso said.

Listen to the full interview on Radio Islam’s podcast below.