‘If Ramaphosa leaves, we’ll see a movie in the ANC’ — Kunene

Johannesburg – Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy president Kenny Kunene has defended President Cyril Ramaphosa, saying it is in South Africa’s best interest for him to remain president amid ongoing scrutiny over the Phala Phala scandal.

Ramaphosa faces potential impeachment proceedings following allegations linked to the 2020 theft of more than $500,000 from his Limpopo farm.

A recent Constitutional Court ruling has allowed Parliament to proceed with an impeachment inquiry, while Ramaphosa has taken the Section 89 report on judicial review.

[BREAKING] President Cyril Ramaphosa has filed his application to review & set aside the s89 Independent Panel Report. The President submits that the panel misunderstood its mandate & failed to consider if there was sufficient evidence to show a serious violation.@Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/BHBEGvZn4e

— Zoleka Qodashe (@ZOLEKV_Q) May 26, 2026

According to The Citizen, Kunene said removing the president would deepen instability within the ANC, arguing that “Ramaphosa is the glue that is holding them together right now.”

He warned that if Ramaphosa were removed, “we are going to see a movie in the ANC,” adding that succession battles would likely emerge between senior figures.

“I think there is no plan. Instead, if he is removed, it will cause more divisions in the ANC because the ANC is more divided than ever right now. Ramaphosa is the glue that is holding them together right now,” the report quoted Kunene as saying.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has filed court papers seeking to review and overturn the Section 89 Independent Panel Report linked to the Phala Phala scandal, escalating the legal battle over the impeachment process against him. #AfricanInsider https://t.co/wjgAm7R8Ap

— African Insider (@AfricanInsider2) May 26, 2026

“If he leaves, we are going to see a movie in the ANC. Naturally, Paul Mashatile will have to take over. But you also have their secretary-general [Fikile Mbalula], who also has interests in that position, so we will not know what direction they want to take. Things will be very unpredictable, and we cannot say that they will follow their own processes.”

He also said the PA would not support impeachment efforts, stating, “We have already indicated that we will not be part of an impeachment process. We will defend the president.”

Kunene further claimed opposition calls for Ramaphosa’s removal, particularly from the EFF, were politically motivated, suggesting they were aimed at increasing influence within a potential government of national unity.

He added that Ramaphosa had not been convicted of any serious offence and contrasted this with critics in opposition ranks, arguing that political attacks should be directed elsewhere.