Ramaphosa
Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has made it clear that no member of the National Executive is immune to the law, stating that any Cabinet Minister facing credible corruption charges must step aside until their case is resolved. Speaking during questions for oral reply in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, he stressed the government’s unwavering commitment to uprooting corruption through the rule of law and due process.
This comes amid ongoing probes into high-profile scandals, including the Tembisa Hospital looting case, where Ramaphosa addressed his alleged ties to accused businessman Hangwani Maumela, denying any close relationship or family benefits from government tenders.
As South Africa battles persistent corruption – with over R10 billion recovered since 2018 – the President’s remarks highlight progress in rebuilding institutions like the SIU and Hawks, while calling for accountability across society to end the scourge that hampers service delivery and economic growth.
The NCOP session also covered mechanisms for monitoring service delivery, reviving local industries, and updates on South Africa’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel. Ramaphosa’s responses underscore his administration’s focus on ethical governance since 2018, amid criticisms of selective enforcement and family links to scandals. With the Integrity Committee often accused of silence on top figures, his pledge aims to restore public trust in a nation where corruption costs an estimated R27 billion annually.
Firm Stance on Corruption: Step Aside for Charged Executives
Ramaphosa emphasised that the battle against graft must follow legal processes without bias. “If any member of the National Executive is charged with corruption or another serious crime, they will need to vacate their position pending the outcome of any case against them. The fight against corruption must be grounded in the rule of law and due process. Corruption must be rooted out in all its forms in all of our society,” he told the NCOP.
He highlighted strides since 2018 in strengthening law enforcement, including the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the Hawks, and the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption. These bodies have made notable progress in exposing corruption, arresting suspects, and recovering assets. “The results of these efforts are now plain to see,” Ramaphosa said, noting senior figures from government, state-owned enterprises, and business currently on trial.
A new tracking mechanism ensures SIU referrals are actioned, addressing past delays. This aligns with broader reforms, like the recent proclamation expanding the SIU’s probe into the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), where over R300 million in irregularities have been uncovered.
Addressing Maumela Links: Denies Close Ties, Supports SIU Probe
Responding to questions about his relationship with Hangwani Maumela – accused in the Tembisa Hospital scandal – Ramaphosa dismissed claims of close ties. “My spokesperson, Mr Vincent Magwenya, addressed the media yesterday in response to a video and photograph that were circulated. He explained what my relationship, if any, is with this person. Forty-seven years ago, I got married to his father’s sister, we divorced 43 years ago. When I was asked in 2022 whether I knew him, I said I did not know him because I had never encountered him, and that was gospel truth,” he explained.
The President admitted meeting Maumela in 2024 during a neighbourhood walk, but stressed no personal or business links exist. He reiterated that none of his family members have benefited from government tenders, aligning with his 2014 directive to immediate relatives to avoid state business.
Ramaphosa condemned the alleged misuse of funds: “As I walk past that house, I know that that house was built with money that, as it is alleged, was not properly acquired – money that should have been spent on the health of our people. The SIU has taken action, and we must support and applaud them for the work they are doing.”
The SIU’s ongoing probe into Tembisa involves over R2 billion in irregular tenders, with Maumela’s companies linked to R820 million. Recent raids seized luxury assets worth R133.5 million, as the unit vows to “claw back every cent.” Whistleblower Babita Deokaran’s 2021 murder, tied to exposing the scheme, adds urgency to the case.
Rebuilding Institutions: Progress in Anti-Corruption Efforts
Since taking office, Ramaphosa has focused on revitalising agencies hit by state capture. The Hawks and SIU have ramped up arrests, with over 1,500 officials probed and R5 billion frozen in assets. “These bodies have shown that they do not fear to act,” he said, citing trials of prominent figures.
The President highlighted the need for societal-wide action: “To overcome the scourge of corruption in our society, we need to uphold and advance the rule of law. We need to ensure that due process is followed without fear, favour or prejudice.”
This includes supporting the judiciary’s independence and resourcing probes. Recent successes, like the NLC investigation recovering millions, show momentum, but critics argue more needs to be done on prevention and prosecuting high-profile cases.
Service Delivery and ICJ Updates: Broader NCOP Focus
Beyond corruption, Ramaphosa addressed monitoring service delivery across government spheres, noting mechanisms like the District Development Model for better alignment. He also updated on reviving industries, with initiatives to strengthen manufacturing through localisation and incentives.
On the ICJ case against Israel, filed in 2023 alleging genocide in Gaza, Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment, noting the court’s May 2025 order for Israel to halt Rafah operations. “We continue to pursue justice through international forums,” he said, reflecting the country’s human rights stance.
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