South Africa’s Ramaphosa faces credibility crisis

Significance

Two days previously, Mkhwebane determined that Ramaphosa had deliberately misled parliament and violated the constitution surrounding donations to his ruling ANC leadership campaign. While Mkhwebane’s report is widely viewed as a politically motivated attack on the president, it poses serious risks for Ramaphosa, who is already struggling to get his reform project off the ground.

Impacts

• The scandal will prompt growing calls for legislation to cover internal party campaign financing.
• Allegations against Ramaphosa may prove a boon to controversial Deputy President David Mabuza, next in line to succeed the president.
• Zuma's recent state capture testimony, including spy allegations, are deflection tactics, but will still exacerbate ANC factional divisions.
• The Democratic Alliance could face accusations of hypocrisy for backing Mkhwebane’s ouster but also her findings against Ramaphosa.