President Ramaphosa Responds to Viral Video Outside Hangwani Maumela’s Mansion

by Zaghrah Anthony

A video showing President Cyril Ramaphosa standing outside the Sandton mansion of businessman Hangwani Maumela has sparked public interest and concern. The footage, which surfaced shortly after the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) raided Maumela’s property, has led to questions about the president’s connection to the corruption-accused businessman.

The Video That Raised Eyebrows

The video in question depicts President Ramaphosa standing outside Maumela’s luxury home, engaging in conversation with radio DJ Tbo Touch and Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya. The timing of the video, coming just a day after the SIU’s raid on Maumela’s property, has fueled speculation about the nature of the president’s relationship with Maumela.

Presidential Spokesperson’s Explanation

In response to the public’s concerns, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya clarified that the video was taken during one of President Ramaphosa’s routine walks. He explained that the president’s residence in Hyde Park is in close proximity to Maumela’s house, and the street shown in the video is one the president uses when traveling to and from Sandton.

Magwenya further stated that the president had never met Maumela and denied any familial connection, noting that Ramaphosa was married to Maumela’s aunt. He emphasized that the encounter was purely coincidental and not indicative of any relationship between the two men.

Public Reaction and Speculation

Despite the official explanation, the video has ignited discussions on social media platforms. Many users have expressed skepticism, questioning the timing and circumstances of the encounter. The incident has become a topic of debate, with some users highlighting the potential implications of the video on public trust in the president’s transparency.

Context of the SIU Raid

The SIU’s raid on Maumela’s Sandton mansion was part of an operation to seize assets linked to the alleged looting of over R2 billion from Tembisa Hospital. Investigators found that Maumela led one of three major syndicates responsible for diverting public funds meant for healthcare services through fraudulent tenders, inflated prices, and non-existent deliveries.

Among the items confiscated were luxury vehicles, designer furniture, and expensive artwork, with a total value of assets preserved at R133.5 million. The broader investigation uncovered that three syndicates were responsible for looting over R2 billion from the hospital.

While President Ramaphosa has denied any connection to Hangwani Maumela, the viral video has raised questions about the proximity of the president to individuals implicated in significant corruption scandals. As the investigation into the Tembisa Hospital looting continues, the public remains attentive to developments and the government’s response to these serious allegations.

Source: Briefly

Featured Image: X{@southafricandly}