Phala Phala panel report: Court questions evidence that Ramaphosa engaged in paid work

The Western Cape High Court heard arguments in the review application of President Cyril Ramaphosa's Section 89 Independent Panel report, concerning the Phala Phala burglary from February 2020. The court examined the definitions of "paid work" and "remuneration" in the context of the charges against Ramaphosa, which include serious misconduct.

Advocate Kessler Perumalsamy, Ramaphosa's legal representative, argued that the transaction involving foreign currency found at Ramaphosa's farm is linked to other paid work. He pointed out the need to account for the source of the currency and its relevance to charges 3 and 4. Judge Mark Sher questioned the evidence supporting the personal nature of the transaction and whether the money was payment for work done.

Perumalsamy noted that Ramaphosa's involvement in the transaction, including instructions to lodge manager Sylvester Ndlovu, suggests active participation in farm operations. However, Judge President Nolwazi Mabindla-Boqwana raised the argument of "good faith," suggesting that if Ramaphosa's interpretation of "paid work" was in good faith, it might provide a sufficient defense.