Ramaphosa clarifies his non-relation to businessman Hangwani Maumela

President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved to clarify that he’s not related to corruption-accused businessman Hangwani Maumela - despite being photographed outside his Sandhurst house on more than one occasion.

Ramaphosa has told the National Council of Provinces that while he was married to Maumela’s aunt more than 40 years ago, he does not consider Maumela a relative, nor has he had any extensive interaction with him.

On Monday, the Presidency sought to set the record straight, saying only that Ramaphosa happened to pass by the house on his regular walks.

But there was no connection between its now infamous owner and Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa has now, however, explained the tenuous link.

In a detailed response to a question from the ANC’s Onica Medupe, Ramaphosa said as far back as 2022, when the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s John Steenhuisen first asked whether he knew Maumela - he said no - because it’s the truth.

Ramaphosa explained that a video recorded in December 2024 of him greeting Maumela’s mother outside the now infamous house was taken during one of his regular walks past the property in the company of his daughter.

Ramaphosa said he realised on that occasion that he knew Maumela’s mother from their school days.

“His aunt is my former wife of 47 years ago. He’s really not my relative as such. I’ve encountered him, and you can make what you like of it. Do I deal with him? No. Do I meet him and sit down with him? no.”

Ramaphosa said he’s appalled by the allegations against Maumela and that he built a mansion ostensibly from money meant for public health care.

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