Ramaphosa Faces Fresh Calls to Explain Millions Found at His Farm

June 11, 2026 4 min read

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is fighting to contain the political fallout from a scandal involving hundreds of thousands of dollars allegedly stolen from his private game farm, an affair that has dominated headlines and sparked calls for his resignation. The controversy, centred on a 2020 robbery at the Phala Phala game ranch, has resurfaced ahead of national elections, threatening to undermine his credibility ahead of the 2024 polls.

What happened at Phala Phala

The saga began in February 2020, when intruders reportedly broke into Ramaphosa's Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo province. According to local media reports, the thieves made off with millions in cash that had been hidden inside sofa cushions. The president initially denied any knowledge of large sums of money at the property, but subsequent investigations have raised questions about the source of those funds and whether they were properly declared to tax authorities.

The matter might have faded from public view had it not been for opposition party ActionSA, which formally requested a police investigation in 2022. That request forced authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding the missing money, reopening a chapter that Ramaphosa's office had preferred to leave closed.

The political cost

Ramaphosa built much of his political reputation on promises of clean governance and ending the corruption that plagued his predecessor Jacob Zuma's administration. The Phala Phala affair has provided ammunition to rivals who accuse him of hypocrisy, arguing that his administration's anti-corruption rhetoric rings hollow given these revelations.

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has been among the most vocal critics, repeatedly demanding that Ramaphosa explain where the money came from and why it was not declared. The scandal has also emboldened factions within the ruling African National Congress party who oppose Ramaphosa's leadership, creating internal fractures ahead of a crucial election year.

What authorities found

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, South Africa's specialised anti-crime unit, confirmed in late 2022 that it had opened an official inquiry into the matter. Investigators reportedly traced transactions linked to the sale of game animals from Phala Phala, with local media outlets publishing documents that appeared to show substantial cash payments.

The amounts at the centre of the investigation reportedly exceed $500,000, though officials have not confirmed the exact figure. The presidency has maintained that all funds were legitimate proceeds from the sale of wildlife and that Ramaphosa committed no offence.

Ramaphosa's defence

The president has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In public statements, Ramaphosa has insisted that any money held at the farm came from lawful business activities, specifically the sale of game animals including buffalo and antelope species. His legal team has argued that the cash was not connected to his official duties and therefore does not constitute a conflict of interest.

Ramaphosa has also pointed out that he voluntarily disclosed details about the farm's business activities in his financial interests declaration, a document that public officials are required to submit annually. Supporters argue this transparency demonstrates his commitment to ethical standards, even if the original circumstances remain murky.

The impeachment question

The scandal reached a critical point when opposition parties attempted to launch impeachment proceedings against Ramaphosa in Parliament. The motion cited violations of the Executive Members Ethics Code, arguing that the president failed to act with integrity in handling the cash at his private property.

The National Assembly ultimately voted against proceeding with impeachment, delivering a temporary reprieve to the president. However, critics warn that the issue remains unresolved and could resurface depending on what investigators uncover.

Why this matters for South Africans

For ordinary citizens, the Phala Phala affairsymbolises broader frustrations with political elites. South Africa struggles with unemployment exceeding 30 percent, chronic power shortages, and crumbling infrastructure. Many voters ask why a president would keep large sums of cash at a private property when millions of South Africans live in poverty.

The timing of the scandal's resurgence is particularly problematic for Ramaphosa. With elections expected in 2024, the opposition can be expected to weaponise every revelation from the ongoing investigation. Polls already suggest declining support for the ANC, and the Phala Phala affair gives rival parties a potent campaign argument against a president who promised a new era of accountability.

What comes next

Investigators are expected to deliver a formal report on their findings in the coming months. Parliament's ethics committee has also indicated it will review the matter once law enforcement completes its work. Watchers of South African politics say the scandal is unlikely to disappear regardless of the official outcome, given how deeply it has penetrated public consciousness.

Ramaphosa must now navigate a narrow path, preserving enough public trust to secure re-election while answering questions that have so far resisted clean resolution. Whether he succeeds may determine not only his own political future but also the direction of the ANC, which has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid.