The Presidency has expressed worry about assertions made in the National Assembly on Tuesday that President Cyril Ramaphosa did not answer the question for oral reply on the heist at his Limpopo farm in January 2020.
The Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday that on a proper interpretation of the question, President Ramaphosa did, in fact, answer it.
During a hybrid session on Tuesday, the President digitally appeared before the National Assembly to respond to oral questions.
“Whether the President deemed it expedient to take the nation into his confidence on the severe charges concerning his Phala Phala farm by accounting to the people of South Africa and speaking on the stated matter in the National Assembly…” was the question posed.
The President stated that he is ready to take the people into his confidence and that he will do so through the proper legal and legislative channels.
“I realize there is a lot of interest in my response to this topic, and I’d like to emphasize that, without appearing to be dismissive, I do… want to be accountable.”
“I should add that, as I have already stated in written responses to Members of this House, during the debate on the Presidency Budget Vote, and in speeches on other public platforms, I am willing to cooperate with any investigations into this situation,” the President said on Tuesday.
The President further stated that he has responded to, and will continue to reply to, any queries posed to him by the appropriate authorities.
He also stated that he will fully comply with and answer to the Section 89 procedure that Parliament has launched.
“It is evident from the President’s response that he believes it is prudent to account for this situation through the proper channels.”
“This is consistent with what the President has stated from the beginning, that there is no substance for the allegations of criminal conduct leveled against him, and that he will offer whatever information that the competent authorities require,” the Presidency stated. – SAnews.gov.za