Ramaphosa admits to meeting accused Tembisa corruption figure Maumela
South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa at NCOP. Photo Credit- News24
President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged on Tuesday that he had met Hangwani Maumela, the alleged mastermind behind the multimillion-rand corruption scandal at Tembisa Hospital, during an encounter outside his Sandhurst residence in 2024. The admission came during a question-and-answer session in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), marking a significant shift in the government’s narrative on the matter. Maumela, who faces charges related to the embezzlement of over R850 million in hospital funds, has been a central figure in one of Gauteng’s most notorious graft cases, drawing scrutiny to high-level connections in political circles.
The president’s disclosure contradicted statements made just a day earlier by his spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, who during a media briefing at the Union Buildings insisted that Ramaphosa had no personal knowledge of or interaction with Maumela. Magwenya’s position had aimed to distance the presidency from the unfolding investigations, but Ramaphosa’s direct confirmation in Parliament has fueled questions about the extent of prior associations. Sources close to the matter suggest the meeting was brief and informal, yet it has reignited debates over transparency in dealings involving individuals implicated in public sector corruption.
Ramaphosa provided additional context during the NCOP session, clarifying that Maumela is the son of his former wife from a marriage that ended 47 years ago. He emphasized that this connection did not constitute a familial tie “as such,” seeking to downplay any implications of favoritism or undue influence. The Tembisa scandal, which erupted in 2022, involves allegations of fraudulent tenders, kickbacks, and money laundering orchestrated by Maumela while he served as the hospital’s CEO, leading to arrests and ongoing probes by the Hawks and the Special Investigating Unit.
The timing of Ramaphosa’s revelation coincides with heightened public and parliamentary pressure on the executive to address corruption legacies from the state capture era. Opposition parties have seized on the inconsistency between the president’s and spokesperson’s accounts, demanding full disclosure of any communications or meetings involving Maumela. As the NCOP session progressed, Ramaphosa reiterated his administration’s commitment to rooting out graft, though he offered no further details on the 2024 encounter, leaving room for speculation about its purpose.
With investigations into the Tembisa affair still active and potential trials looming, Ramaphosa’s confirmation could prompt fresh inquiries into presidential interactions with accused figures. The presidency has yet to issue a follow-up statement, but analysts warn that the episode risks undermining efforts to rebuild public trust in governance institutions. As more details emerge, the focus remains on ensuring accountability at all levels of leadership.
Frequently asked questions on President Ramaphosa
Who is Hangwani Maumela?
Hangwani Maumela is the former CEO of Tembisa Hospital, accused of orchestrating a corruption scheme involving the misappropriation of over R850 million in public funds through fraudulent tenders and kickbacks.
When and where did President Ramaphosa meet Maumela?
The meeting occurred outside Ramaphosa’s home in Sandhurst in 2024, described as a brief and informal encounter.
Why did Ramaphosa’s statement contradict his spokesperson’s?
Vincent Magwenya stated on Monday that Ramaphosa had no knowledge of Maumela, but the president confirmed the meeting during Tuesday’s NCOP session, highlighting a narrative discrepancy.
What is Ramaphosa’s connection to Maumela?
Maumela is the son of Ramaphosa’s ex-wife from a marriage that ended 47 years ago; the president clarified this does not make them related “as such.”
What is the status of the Tembisa Hospital corruption case?
The case remains under investigation by the Hawks and the Special Investigating Unit, with arrests made and trials pending, stemming from revelations in 2022.
