Ramaphosa Denies Knowing Maumela as Video Near Tembisa Looting Accused’s Home Sparks Questions
President Cyril Ramaphosa has denied any personal connection to Hangwani Maumela, a businessman accused of looting over R2 billion from Tembisa Hospital, after a video showing him outside Maumela’s Sandton mansion surfaced online. The presidency described the encounter as a coincidence....Click to Read More >>➤
Ramaphosa Distances Himself from Maumela
According to presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, the video, filmed outside Maumela’s luxury Sandhurst home, was taken during one of the President’s routine walks. Magwenya said Ramaphosa was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya—then his Special Advisor—and radio DJ Tbo Touch, who happened to meet them on the street.
Image: SIU/ X
“The President regularly walks in that area and had no idea the property belonged to Mr. Maumela. They were briefly stopped by Tbo Touch and Bishop Noel Jones, who took pictures and a short video,” Magwenya explained.
Massive Looting Scandal at Tembisa Hospital
Last week, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) raided Maumela’s mansion as part of an asset seizure linked to the Tembisa Hospital corruption scandal. The SIU alleges that Maumela headed one of three syndicates that siphoned off public funds meant for healthcare through fake tenders, inflated prices, and ghost deliveries.
Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Newspapers
Confiscated assets included three Lamborghinis, luxury furniture, high-end artwork, and property valued at R133.5 million, while investigators are targeting a total of R900 million worth of assets. SIU reports allege that Maumela used a web of 41 companies to divert R820 million over two years.
Presidency: ‘Coincidence, Not Connection’
Magwenya said it was “misleading” to suggest the President had any relationship with Maumela. “He is not related to him except through a past marriage to one of Maumela’s aunts,” he clarified. “President Ramaphosa has consistently distanced himself from any family or associates doing business with the state.”
He added that before his appointment as Deputy President in 2014, Ramaphosa instructed his immediate family to withdraw from any government contracts or state-linked businesses — a rule Maumela was not part of, as he is not an immediate relative.
Inside Maumela’s R86 Million Sandhurst Mansion
Reports indicate that Maumela’s property was created by combining two stands valued at R70 million and R16 million respectively. The three-storey mansion includes infinity pools, manicured gardens, and luxury amenities such as a car wash and hair salon. The area is known to house prominent figures including politicians like EFF leader Julius Malema.
Since the SIU raid, Maumela has not been seen at the property. Armed guards at the entrance reportedly blocked journalists from taking photos, warning them to “leave or be assisted to leave.” ...Click to Read More >>➤
