President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed he knows Hangwani Maumela, the man accused of looting millions from Tembisa Hospital. His admission has sparked new questions about accountability, transparency, and government credibility amid a widening healthcare corruption scandal.
Ramaphosa Breaks Silence in Parliament
During a National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Q&A on 14 October 2025, Ramaphosa addressed questions about his connection to Maumela. He acknowledged encountering him in 2024 during a routine morning walk in his Sandhurst neighbourhood.
Read more in our article: Presidency Responds to Viral Video of Ramaphosa at Alleged Tender Fraudster’s Sandton Home.
This statement marked a clear shift from earlier denials made by the Presidency. Previously, spokesperson Vincent Magwenya had told the media that Ramaphosa had never met Maumela and had no personal or professional ties to him.
“I confirm that in 2024, while walking on that same street, a person came out of the house and greeted me. It was Maumela,” Ramaphosa said in Parliament.
This disclosure comes amid an ongoing investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which has linked Maumela to a syndicate that allegedly looted over R816 million through fraudulent procurement contracts at Tembisa Hospital.
A Complicated Family Connection
In his parliamentary statement, Ramaphosa explained that he was once married to Maumela’s aunt — a marriage that ended 43 years ago.
“Forty-seven years ago, I got married to his father’s sister – his aunt. We divorced 43 years ago,” he said.
Despite the family link, Ramaphosa insists he had no personal relationship with Maumela until they briefly met in 2024.
“I do not deal with him. I do not visit his house. I have merely encountered him,” he clarified.
This encounter reportedly occurred when Maumela greeted Ramaphosa during one of his daily walks. Later in 2024, Ramaphosa also greeted Maumela’s mother, whom he recognised from his school days.
For more on internal tensions within law enforcement, read: SAPS Inquiry: AKA Murder Arrests Strained My Bond with Mkhwanazi – Sibiya.
The SIU Exposes Widespread Looting
According to the SIU’s interim report, Maumela is a central figure in a broader corruption network that allegedly siphoned over R2 billion from public health institutions, including Tembisa Hospital.
More than 111 health officials have been implicated for colluding with criminal syndicates to award fraudulent contracts.
“We are talking about billions of rands that have been stolen … we are committed to recovering those funds,” said SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi.
Maumela’s luxury property in Sandhurst, where Ramaphosa encountered him, has since been raided. The SIU and NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit served preservation orders on vehicles and assets valued at over R60 million.
Public Outcry and Opposition Response
The Democratic Alliance (DA) and other civil society groups have criticised the lack of criminal charges in the Tembisa Hospital scandal.
“We want to see criminal prosecutions, not just asset seizures,” said DA Gauteng health spokesperson Dr Jack Bloom.
There is growing concern that politically connected individuals may avoid legal consequences despite mounting evidence. The President’s admission has intensified calls for greater transparency and a full public inquiry.
Ramaphosa Supports Anti-Corruption Drive
Despite the controversy, Ramaphosa reaffirmed his support for the SIU’s work. He described the allegations against Maumela as “appalling” and called for continued efforts to recover stolen public funds.
“As I walk past that house, I know it was allegedly built with money not properly acquired – money that should have gone to our people’s health,” he said.
Ramaphosa also urged South Africans to support anti-corruption institutions, noting that progress was being made in holding those involved accountable.
Political Risk and Credibility Concerns
This revelation could affect Ramaphosa’s credibility on anti-corruption. His previous public statement in 2022 denied any knowledge of Maumela. The shift in narrative, combined with family ties and visual evidence, has fuelled speculation about political proximity.
According to political analyst Zakhele Ndlovu,
“When one stretches one’s imagination, it becomes clear that the rot is everywhere. Politicians are involved, directly or indirectly, in crime.”
Read more: Premier Lesufi Suspends Gauteng Health Boss Over Tembisa Hospital Scandal for details on the latest developments in the province’s healthcare leadership.
A Test of Accountability
Ramaphosa’s admission comes at a critical moment in South Africa’s fight against systemic corruption. While the President has distanced himself from wrongdoing, the public expects transparency, accountability, and prosecutions.
As the SIU continues its investigation, South Africans will be watching whether justice is served, regardless of who is involved.
