The Star Early Edition

Chorus grows louder for Cyril to step aside, account

- ANITA NKONKI anita.nkonki@inl.co.za

“OBVIOUSLY, President Cyril Ramaphosa cannot decide whether to resign or not because he is addicted to being indecisive. Even in this moment of profound crisis for him, the ANC, and our democracy, he is prevailing.”

These are the words of the popular broadcaste­r Eusebius McKaiser, who candidly shared his thoughts on social media about the controvers­ial Phala Phala scandal that has gripped South Africa and beyond.

The Parliament­ary independen­t panel investigat­ing the Phala Phala scandal made its findings known last week.

McKaiser pointed out on his Twitter account: “None of them care about the interests of the country. What they are really worried about is losing if Ramaphosa left and the next leader kicked them out of Cabinet or positions within the state where they are wielding influence."

Popular media personalit­y Redi Tlhabi communicat­ed her sentiments on Twitter, saying she does not think the president deserves sympathy: “I don’t think Ramaphosa deserves sympathy. A whole president stuffing money in a mattress & not declaring it & the theft? The other side being corrupt rogues doesn’t mean Cyril must escape accountabi­lity? Their motives are irrelevant? We shouldn't choose between scales of wrong.

“I tweeted that Cyril doesn't deserve sympathy & (must be) held accountabl­e.”

Former DA and One South Africa movement leader Mmusi Maimane made strong calls for the president to talk to South Africans.

“The head of state must face the music and speak to the prima facie case against him and the findings of the independen­t panel.

“Julius Malema faced the music, media head-on to discuss the allegation­s about VBS. @CyrilRamap­hosa you have to speak to the people of South Africa,” said Maimane.

Ramaphosa, who was due to address the nation on Friday, left the country buzzing with questions while others were remained in suspense about what may happen tomorrow as the calls for the embattled president to resign continued to mount.

Political parties have also been seen weighing in and criticisin­g the president for his silence, saying it is deafening.

 ?? | PHANDO JIKELO African News Agency (ANA) ?? President Cyril Ramaphosa.
| PHANDO JIKELO African News Agency (ANA) President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from South Africa