Ramaphosa says he is not resigning

South African president Cyril Ramaphosa has insisted that he will not resign as head of state.

This comes after a Constitutional Court said that issues around the Phala Phala farm scandal should be referred to a committee that may lead to an impeachment process.

In an address to the nation, Ramaphosa said he respects the Court’s decision.

Ramaphosa said his decision to stay in place was a desire for stability and says the Constitution provide a clear guide and recourse.

The President said he has not stolen any money, committed any crime or violated the constitution.

Ramaphosa says he will continue to comply with all institutions that will undertake whatever processes may be necessary.

He said no evidence has been provided against him of any crime.

Ramaphosa says he reserves his right to defend himself from the findings of the report, which he says is flawed. He says he will take the Independent panel on review on an expeditious purpose.

He concluded that nothing compelled him to resign as the ConCourt did not find him guilty of any violations or crimes.

“I therefore respectfully want to make it clear that I will not resign,” Ramaphosa said.

“To do so would be to pre-empt a process defined by the Constitution.

“To do so would be to give credence to a panel report that unfortunately has grave flaws.

“To do so would be to abdicate the responsibility that I assumed when I became President of the Republic.

“To resign now would be to give in to those who seek to reverse the renewal of our society, the rebuilding of our institutions and the prosecution of corruption.”