South African Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has denied any connection between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Hangwani Maumela, who is accused of corruption. A video that recently surfaced on social media shows the President with DJ Tbo Touch and Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya outside Maumela’s house. Magwenya explained that the President was on one of his regular walks with Sibiya when they were stopped by Tbo Touch, who was accompanied by Bishop Noel Jones, and photographs and a video were taken.
According to Magwenya, the President had invited Sibiya on a walk—a routine activity he uses to stay fit and engage with staff and ministers. Their route happened to pass by Maumela’s house, which is near the President’s Hyde Park residence, and they were stopped by Tbo Touch. The President did not know whose house it was; he was simply greeting Tbo Touch and taking pictures with people they encountered along the way. Magwenya dismissed claims that the President visits Maumela’s house every week, calling them a “complete lie.” He noted that, given the President’s busy schedule, only a few people—such as his family, security detail, and certain staff members—can see him on a weekly basis.
The President’s office has also confirmed with Tbo Touch that the video and picture were his original posts and that he was coming from the airport with Bishop Noel Jones at the time. Regarding allegations of a personal relationship between President Ramaphosa and Maumela, Magwenya maintained that no such relationship exists, aside from the fact that the President was once married to Maumela’s aunt. He added that, before becoming Deputy President, Ramaphosa instructed his immediate family and relatives to cease any business dealings with the government or state institutions, and Maumela was not part of that family circle.
Magwenya pointed out that President Ramaphosa signed the proclamation establishing the Special Investigating Unit to probe the Tembisa Hospital scandal, which uncovered corruption and criminality. The President has called on law‑enforcement agencies to accelerate investigations, arrest those involved, and do so without fear or favour, regardless of personal connections. This denial of any link between the President and Maumela comes as the Tembisa Hospital investigation continues, with the President’s office emphasizing his commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability.
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