South African Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has denied any connection between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Hangwani Maumela, who is accused of corruption. A recent video surfaced on social media showing President Ramaphosa with DJ Tbo Touch and Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya outside Maumela’s house. However, Magwenya explained that the President was on one of his regular walks with Sibiya when they were stopped by Tbo Touch, who was with Bishop Noel Jones, and took pictures and a video.
According to Magwenya, the President had invited Sibiya on a walk, a common practice for him to stay fit and engage with his staff and ministers. They happened to pass by Maumela’s house, which is near the President’s Hyde Park home, and were stopped by Tbo Touch. The President reportedly did not know whose house it was and was simply greeting Tbo Touch and taking pictures with people along the way.
Magwenya dismissed claims that the President visits Maumela’s house every week, calling it a “complete lie.” He stated that with the President’s busy schedule, only a few people, including his family, security detail, and certain staff members, can claim to see him every week. The President’s office has also confirmed with Tbo Touch that the video and picture were his original posts, and 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 there is no such relationship, except that the President was once married to Maumela’s aunt. He noted that before becoming Deputy President, Ramaphosa had instructed his immediate family and relatives to exit or stop any business dealings with the government or state institutions, and Maumela was not part of that family gathering.
The spokesperson pointed out that President Ramaphosa had signed the proclamation for the Special Investigating Unit to investigate the Tembisa Hospital scandal, which led to the discovery of corruption and criminality. The President has called on law enforcement agencies to accelerate their investigations into the matter and arrest those involved without fear or favor, regardless of their relationships. The denial of any connection between the President and Maumela comes as the investigation into the Tembisa Hospital scandal continues, with the President’s office emphasizing his commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability.
