JOHANNESBURG: Embattled South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to face a critical week amid an impeachment vote on Tuesday followed by corruption charges.
Ramaphosa, who came out as a popular leader after the corruption-tainted tenure of his predecessor Jacob Zuma, has been accused of attempting to cover a huge cash theft at his luxury farms.
The Parliament will be deciding on Tuesday whether to begin proceedings to remove him from office, following the report of an independent panel that he may have been involved in serious violations and misconduct.
Ruling Party Conference following Impeachment Vote
The vote comes just three days before Ramaphosa’s party, the ANC, is scheduled to meet for its five-yearly conference to elect a new leader. The president is the favourite among two candidates for the top ANC post – which could make him secure a second term as the head of state.
Earlier, it was rumored that he was about to resign. But in a show of confidence, he took to the streets of Cape Town for campaigning during the weekend.
Renowned for his strategic thinking and patience, Ramaphosa remains popular despite the scandal, having a support base that goes beyond the country’s racial and class divisions.
