President Cyril Ramaphosa has distanced himself from businessman Hangwani “Morgan” Maumela, who is at the centre of the Tembisa Hospital looting scandal, saying he has never met him despite being once married to Maumela’s aunt.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Union Buildings on Monday, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa has no personal or business relationship with Maumela and has never visited his home — contrary to claims circulating on social media.
Family Link, but No Relationship
Magwenya confirmed that Ramaphosa was, many years ago, married to Maumela’s aunt, but emphasised that the relationship does not extend beyond that.
“The President maintains that he has no personal relationship with Mr Maumela. He is not related to him, except that he was once married to his aunt many years ago,” Magwenya said.
He added that there have been “deliberate attempts to spread false information” linking the President to Maumela through misleading videos and online rumours.
The Tembisa Hospital Scandal
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has accused Maumela of masterminding one of three major syndicates that siphoned off public funds meant for healthcare services through fraudulent tenders, inflated pricing, and non-existent deliveries at Tembisa Hospital.
According to the SIU, Maumela allegedly used a network of 41 companies to divert R820 million from the hospital over two years. The broader investigation has uncovered that more than R2 billion was looted by multiple syndicates.
During a raid on Maumela’s home last week, investigators seized luxury items including three Lamborghinis, designer furniture, artwork, and other valuables. Assets worth R133.5 million were preserved, with R900 million in total targeted for recovery.
The Video Controversy
Magwenya addressed a viral social media video that purportedly showed Ramaphosa outside Maumela’s Hyde Park home shortly after the SIU raid.
“Colleagues will have seen the video doing the rounds on social media, purporting to place the President at Mr Morgan Maumela’s home,” Magwenya said.
He clarified that the video was recorded on September 29, 2023, and shows Ramaphosa walking with Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya, DJ Tbo Touch, and Bishop Noel Jones.
“The President loves to walk and had invited Mr Sibiya to join him that day. During the walk, they passed a house — now known to be Maumela’s — where they were stopped by Tbo Touch, who got out of his car to greet the President. They took photos and recorded a short video,” Magwenya explained.
He added that Ramaphosa had no idea whose house it was at the time.
“The street where Maumela’s house is located is one the President often uses when walking or driving to and from his Hyde Park residence. It’s less than a kilometre from his home, so it’s not unusual to see him in that area,” he said.
“A Complete Lie”
Magwenya dismissed reports that Ramaphosa visits Maumela’s home weekly.
“There are only four categories of people who see the President every week: his family, his security detail, his Union Buildings staff — particularly those assigned to his private office — and ANC officials, whom he meets every Monday,” he said.
He clarified that Ramaphosa regularly visits only two other homes — his sister’s house in Soweto and the home of his long-time comrade, James Motlatsi, a former mineworkers’ union leader.
Ramaphosa’s Anti-Corruption Track Record
Magwenya said that Ramaphosa himself signed the proclamation authorising the SIU investigation into the corruption at Tembisa Hospital — the very investigation that implicated Maumela.
“It is worth recalling that before becoming Deputy President, Ramaphosa instructed his immediate family to cease any business dealings with the government or state institutions,” Magwenya said.
“Maumela was not part of that family gathering because he is not part of the President’s immediate family.”
Magwenya stressed that under Ramaphosa’s leadership, the sixth and seventh administrations have implemented the most comprehensive anti-corruption reforms since 1994, including new legislation, institutional reforms, and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
“The President calls on all law enforcement agencies to accelerate their investigations into the Tembisa Hospital matter and to ensure that all those involved are arrested — without fear or favour,” Magwenya said.
He added that these efforts were part of Ramaphosa’s broader goal of building a more transparent and accountable state, one that prioritises public trust over political connections.
The Bigger Picture
The Tembisa Hospital scandal has become a symbol of wider corruption in South Africa’s public health system, revealing how procurement loopholes and political influence have crippled service delivery.
While Maumela faces mounting legal pressure, Ramaphosa’s administration is walking a tightrope between proving its anti-corruption credibility and managing political optics amid a restless electorate ahead of 2026.
In the end, Ramaphosa’s message is clear: he wants no association with Maumela — past, present, or future — even if family history suggests a distant connection.
