Cape Town - Drama unfolded at the SADC Organ Troika meeting in the Democratic Republic of Congo when Namibian President Hage Geingob initially declined to take over from his South African counterpart President Cyril Ramaphosa as chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
The two leaders of the neighbouring countries met in public for the first time since it came to light that Ramaphosa had allegedly enlisted Geingob’s services in tracking the gang of Namibians who broke into his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo and stole millions of dollars apparently concealed in furniture.
Despite no case being opened with the police, the suspects were allegedly kidnapped, tortured and bribed for their silence.
The alleged mastermind behind the theft, Imanuwela David, was arrested at an upmarket hotel in Namibia, with luxury watches and a number of cellphones after entering the country illegally.
Geingob has repeatedly denied being involved in apprehending the men, while Ramaphosa has repeatedly refused to disclose details about the theft and why so much money in foreign currency was not banked.
Analysts previously believed that the scandal was set to cause a diplomatic standoff between the two countries.
An event between the two presidents planned for last month was abruptly cancelled with very little detail about the decision.
At the SADC Organ Troika meeting this week, Geingob had declined to replace Ramaphosa as chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation citing finances and other commitments to the Organ it may not be able to meet.
Geingob’s spokesperson, Alfredo Hengari said: “Following extensive deliberations during the Organ Troika Summit, which concluded in Kinshasa on Tuesday evening 16 August 2022, President Hage G. Geingob accepted to Chair the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security.
“President Geingob outlined the reasons why Namibia had initially declined, including the intensive travel and activity schedule of the Chair of the Organ and the fact that this would place pressure on the already tight fiscal position of the Namibian Government.
“However, member states in the Organ Troika requested President Geingob to take on the position of Chair, assuring Namibia that the country could count on their assistance in the execution of the demanding and complex duties of the Chair. The election of Namibia to the position of Chair of the Organ is a reflection of the confidence President Geingob enjoys as a statesman who always promotes diplomacy and dialogue for peace as preconditions for national and regional development.
Moreover, it is a reflection of the respect and prestige Namibia enjoys as a stable and peaceful democracy.”
Asked if Ramaphosa and Geingob discussed the Farmgate scandal, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said it was not a “one-on-one” meeting.
“President Ramaphosa greeted all heads of states before the start of the SADC Organ Troika meeting, which has been Chaired by President Ramaphosa up until this 42nd SADC Summit. President Ramaphosa delivered his report to the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. In President Ramaphosa's programme there were no bilateral meetings that were scheduled with any of the participating countries,” he said.
At home Ramaphosa will be met by mounting pressure from opposition parties who have joined hands in seeking answers over the scandal.
Despite the DA pulling out, the majority of the opposition parties represented in Parliament will forge ahead with a motion of no confidence against the president.
The forum of opposition parties comprises nine parties.
Reading their joint statement, EFF leader Julius Malema said: “All opposition parties, except the Democratic Alliance, agree that in the immediate future, we will introduce a motion of no confidence in Mr Ramaphosa. We believe that, as the leader of the opposition in Parliament, the DA should table the motion. We have assembled a team amongst ourselves to hold a bilateral engagement with the DA to discuss and finalise the motion of no confidence as a complementary measure to holding Mr Ramaphosa accountable.”
The collective said their reason for wanting Ramaphosa to go was because people investigating him may be afraid to act against a sitting president.
“Opposition parties will request a follow-up meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly to discuss all accountability issues, including the usage of a secret ballot for motions of no confidence.”
The DA on Wednesday said: “ It remains our view – as previously argued in the meetings with the opposition parties – that the Section 89 Inquiry process, which has been initiated by the ATM, should be given the requisite time and runway to be properly exhausted in Parliament.”
Political analyst, Professor Sipho Seepe said the DA’s approach was “unhelpful”.
“First, the impeachment process that was initially tabled is arduous and would require two thirds of members of parliament to support it.
“A motion of no confidence requires a simple majority. The posture taken by the DA is unhelpful.
“It is possible that they do not want him to be removed. They simply want the ANC's influence to be significantly reduced. This can easily be achieved with Ramaphosa at the helm,” said Seepe.
Cape Times