The DA looks set to support Cyril Ramaphosa in his Phala Phala fight, reports News24. The party's support, however, will depend on how the issue returns to Parliament, should it occur at all.

John Steenhuisen made it clear the DA would not support a no-confidence motion in Ramaphosa. According to Steenhuisen, the Phala Phala matter pales in significance compared to the VBS scandal, involving EFF leaders Floyd Shivambu and Julius Malema.

Steenhuisen was referring to the explosive affidavit deposed by convicted fraudster Tshifhiwa Matodzi, which confirmed major aspects of Advocate Terry Motau's investigation report into the collapse of the VBS Mutual Bank in March 2018.

Matodzi implicated Dondo Mogajane, the former National Treasury DG, in the VBS looting. He also, under oath, provided a direct link to Malema and Shivambu in the alleged thieving.

‘We will take our chances on the side of the President on this one, rather than take it with those that seek to bring down a government, so that they can then negotiate their way back into government,’ Steenhuisen said.

During a press briefing yesterday, he gave a clear indication that the party would support Ramaphosa, should he need it, in defence of Phala Phala.

The saga involves the US$580 000 stolen from Ramaphosa's private farm, Phala Phala. 

The ATM has filed court papers, asking the Gauteng High Court (Pretoria) to set aside the Public Protector's Phala Phala report.

In June 2023, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka cleared Ramaphosa of wrongdoing, but found Major-General Wally Rhoode, the head of the Presidential Protection Service, was not authorised to investigate the burglary on the farm.

However, a Section 89 Independent Panel report, which examined whether there was enough evidence to impeach the President, found Ramaphosa had a case to answer in Parliament.

The SARB found the US$580 000, paid as a deposit for buffalo by a Sudanese buyer, which was hidden in a sofa by an employee, did not violate any exchange control laws.

Full News24 report