15 October 2025: President Cyril Ramaphosa has denied having any relationship—personal, business, or political—with Hangwani Maumela, who is currently under investigation for alleged corruption tied to tenders at Tembisa Hospital.

The denial comes after a series of social media posts and online speculation suggested links between the President and Maumela. In a statement, the Presidency described the claims as “false, misleading, and deliberately sensational.”

“President Ramaphosa has no personal or business relationship with Mr. Maumela,” the statement read.
“Any distant familial connection through marriage does not constitute a relationship, and there has never been any contact or collaboration between the two.”

Who Is Hangwani Maumela?

Hangwani Maumela has been named in investigations regarding alleged irregularities in government tenders at Tembisa Hospital. Reports indicate that he and associated parties may have benefited from contracts that were awarded outside proper procurement procedures.

Authorities, including the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), have reportedly frozen luxury assets connected to Maumela, including high-end properties and vehicles. The exact scale of the alleged fraud is under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest that hundreds of millions of rand could be involved.

The President’s Clarification

The controversy intensified after a video circulated showing Ramaphosa outside a property allegedly linked to Maumela. The Presidency clarified that the President often walks for exercise in the area and was unaware whose property it was.

“The President greets members of the public during his walks. There is no intentional visit or meeting with Mr. Maumela,” the statement said.

The Presidency also emphasized that none of Ramaphosa’s relatives or close associates have benefited from contracts related to Maumela or Tembisa Hospital.

Public and Political Reaction

While the Presidency’s statement was welcomed by some as a clarification, opposition parties and civil society organizations have called for full transparency, highlighting that even distant connections can raise questions about perception and accountability.

Political analyst Thandi Mokoena commented:

“Perception matters in public office. Even without direct involvement, being linked—even indirectly—to someone under investigation can affect trust in leadership.”

The debate reflects a growing concern in South Africa about how social media can shape public opinion before all facts are verified.

Ongoing Investigations

The SIU continues to investigate the tender processes at Tembisa Hospital. Officials have stated that no evidence currently implicates Ramaphosa or any member of his family in wrongdoing.

Ramaphosa himself has emphasized that no one is above the law, calling for transparency and accountability in government contracting.

“Every rand meant for public service that is lost through corruption is a betrayal of our citizens. Investigations must continue thoroughly and without fear,” Ramaphosa said.

Conclusion

As the Tembisa Hospital investigation unfolds, President Ramaphosa’s denial of any ties to Hangwani Maumela reinforces his administration’s stance on corruption and transparency.

The Presidency has urged the public to rely on verified information and allow legal processes to determine the facts, emphasizing that rumor and speculation should not overshadow justice or public trust.