South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, is believed to be getting ready to resign when he addresses the nation on Thursday night, reported IOL.
Ramaphosa reportedly informed his Cabinet it would be the last time he would be meeting with them.
This comes after an independent panel appointed by the Speaker of Parliament Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula found preliminary evidence that he violated his oath of office.
In June, it emerged that an estimated US$4 million in cash was stolen from Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in 2020.
The theft raised questions about how Ramaphosa acquired the money and whether he declared it.
Ramaphosa is accused of not reporting the theft directly to the police, acting in a way inconsistent with holding office, and exposing himself to a clash between his official responsibilities and his private business.
Pressure has been building up on Ramaphosa to step down since the theft of the cash was reported.
The President cancelled his appearance before the National Council of Provinces to answer questions on Thursday at 2 pm.
His deputy, David Mabuza also cancelled his appearance before the South African National Council to mark World Aids Day.
According to Eyewitness News, Ramaphosa’s supporters within the ANC held a late-night meeting – which only ended in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The meeting reportedly touched on considerations including taking the parliamentary report on review, Ramaphosa possibly stepping down as head of state but remaining ANC president, and bringing in former president Motlanthe back as head of state.
Eyewitness News also reported two ANC insiders as saying former president Kgalema Motlanthe may be brought in to take the reigns of government.