By: Natasha Archary
Leader of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen has told President Cyril Ramaphosa that Phala Phala is his Nkandla.
Making the bold statement in the Budget Vote debate on Thursday, 09 June, the DA leader has said that the scandal involving Ramaphosa is a huge blot on his presidency.
The President was delivering his 2022 Budget Vote in Parliament, which was severely disrupted by the EFF.
While Ramaphosa detailed the country’s economic highs and lows, opposition parties questioned his credibility amidst the “farmgate” raucous.
This after Arthur Fraser opened a criminal case against the President for covering up a $4 million robbery at his Phala Phala farm.
John Steenhuisen likened Ramaphosa’s cover-up of the robbery to former President Jacob Zuma’s shady dealings with regards to Nkandla.
“Too many questions remain unanswered. How much money was kept on the farm and in what currency? How much of it was stolen? How did this foreign currency get into the country? How long was it stored on the President’s property? Were the correct exchange controls observed? And does the president still hold foreign currency at his farm or any of his other properties?”
Steenhuisen slammed the President for using his significant powers and resources, paid for by the taxpayers to conceal the evidence regarding this money.
“Do you recall the shame of Nkandla and the arrogance of your predecessor?
Do you remember the embarrassment of the fire pool video, and all the shameless defending done by the members in these ANC benches?
Do you remember the scathing rebuke Parliament got for failing to hold President Zuma to account for Nkandla, and the solemn promises of “never again”?
How exactly are you different to your predecessor, Mr President?
Phala Phala is your Nkandla. It will forever be a big, ugly stain on your presidency.”
John Steenhuisen tells Ramaphosa Phala Phala is his Nkandla
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