Presidency’s Spin Job Struggles to Quiet Maumela Controversy
Vincent Magwenya, President Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, insists the president “has no ties to Maumela and did not know about his business dealings.”
Some of the vehicles seized from the Sandton home of Hangwani Maumela by the Special Investigating Unit.
Image: SIU/ X
The Presidency’s attempts to distance President Cyril Ramaphosa from businessman Hangwani Maumela are facing fierce public doubt and growing backlash. Despite an urgent press conference aimed at calming nerves, many South Africans remain unconvinced about the president’s claim that he has no ties to Maumela, who is under investigation for a massive corruption scandal linked to Tembisa Hospital.
Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, insisted the president “has no ties to Mr Maumela and did not know about his business dealings.” This statement came after a 2023 photo resurfaced showing Ramaphosa outside Maumela’s luxury home, posing with American Bishop Noel Jones and South African radio host Tbo Touch.
Magwenya explained that the photo was taken by chance while Ramaphosa was on a walk with his then-advisor Jomo Sibiya, now Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour. According to Magwenya, Ramaphosa was unaware the house belonged to Maumela.
However, many South Africans are far from convinced. Maumela is deeply embroiled in an investigation alleging that his companies secured over R400 million in inflated contracts connected to fraudulent procurement at Tembisa Hospital. Authorities estimate the total losses could reach nearly R900 million. As part of the ongoing probe, luxury assets including expensive cars and artwork have been seized from Maumela’s Sandton home.
This scandal has gained more attention because Maumela is the nephew of Ramaphosa’s first wife. The Presidency continues to insist there is no personal or business relationship between the two men, but critics say this explanation strains credibility.
Social media users and political opponents have dismissed the Presidency’s explanation as a “spin job,” accusing officials of trying to hide uncomfortable truths. Frustration is mounting over what many see as ongoing corruption and nepotism at the highest levels of government.
Political analysts say this case will increase demands for transparency and accountability. They warn that if the government fails to act decisively, public trust in state institutions and leadership could be further eroded.
Although Maumela has not yet been formally charged, legal experts expect charges to be filed soon. Meanwhile, authorities continue to search for and freeze additional assets linked to the alleged fraud.
The Presidency’s urgent press conference was meant to calm the storm but instead seems to have deepened public suspicion and mistrust.
The Thembisa Hospital scandal first came to light when the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) launched an investigation into irregularities at the hospital. Reports revealed that huge sums of public money were allegedly siphoned off through fraudulent procurement contracts.
Following this, the SIU and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) seized luxury assets from Maumela’s home in Sandton, drawing public attention. Media outlets picked up the story, highlighting the massive scale of the corruption and the impact on healthcare services. Social media amplified the outrage, especially after photos surfaced showing Maumela’s connections and the apparent link to President Ramaphosa’s family.