Ramaphosa Distances Himself From Businessman Hangwani Maumela Amid Corruption Allegations

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern over corruption allegations involving businessman Hangwani Maumela, saying he is disturbed by the information that has emerged about the matter.

Speaking during a public engagement, Ramaphosa denied having any personal or professional relationship with Maumela, who is accused of benefiting from allegedly irregular contracts involving public funds.

The President also dismissed suggestions that he regularly visits or socialises with the businessman. He explained that his appearance near Maumela’s residence was linked to his routine fitness walks and did not involve any planned meeting or interaction.

Ramaphosa said he was troubled by allegations that the luxury property associated with Maumela may have been financed using money obtained improperly. He stressed that public funds should instead have been used to improve the lives of ordinary South Africans.

The President also praised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for investigating the allegations, emphasising the importance of addressing corruption and recovering money allegedly misappropriated from the state.

His comments followed the circulation of a social media video showing him walking outside Maumela’s residence alongside DJ Tbo Touch and Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya previously clarified that the footage was recorded during one of Ramaphosa’s regular exercise outings.

The investigation into the alleged corruption continues, with authorities expected to pursue accountability where wrongdoing is established.

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