Mmusi Maimane Demands Answers From Ramaphosa Over Wicknell Chivayo Video

Mmusi Maimane has formally written to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa demanding clarity over his relationship with Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo following the circulation of a controversial video appearing to show the two together in a private and informal setting.

In a letter dated 22 May 2026, Maimane said the footage had triggered serious public concern because of earlier statements reportedly attributed to the Presidency suggesting Ramaphosa did not know Chivayo personally.

“The emergence of this footage has therefore created an apparent inconsistency that warrants clear and direct explanation to the South African public,” Maimane wrote.

The video, which has circulated widely across social media platforms in both Zimbabwe and South Africa, allegedly shows Ramaphosa interacting casually with Chivayo. Maimane said many observers interpreted the footage as evidence that Chivayo was leveraging perceived proximity to the South African Presidency amid ongoing legal and business controversies linked to his name.

“The clip has been widely interpreted by observers as being used by Mr Chivayo in a manner that could be construed as leveraging proximity to the highest office in the land in relation to his own legal and business controversies,” the BOSA leader stated.

Chivayo has previously been linked to several controversial procurement and tender-related matters in Zimbabwe and South Africa, although some cases remain under investigation while others have not resulted in convictions.

Maimane warned that perceptions surrounding the video risk damaging public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the Presidency. He argued that transparency was essential to preserve trust in South Africa’s highest office.

“South Africans expect and deserve clarity, particularly where questions arise that may affect confidence in the highest office of the land,” he wrote.

The BOSA leader said he was writing in his capacity as a public representative acting “in the interests of transparency and public trust in the Office of the President.”

In the letter, Maimane requested detailed answers from Ramaphosa regarding the nature of the interaction shown in the footage.

Among the questions posed were:

• What was the nature and context of the engagement with Chivayo?

• When did the meeting take place?

• Was it an official engagement, a private meeting, or a social encounter?

• Were there any official declarations, disclosures, or records connected to the meeting?

• How does the interaction align with previous public statements regarding Ramaphosa’s relationship with Chivayo?

Maimane also asked what steps the Presidency would take to reassure the public regarding interactions with individuals facing legal scrutiny or controversy.

Political analysts say the controversy may increase pressure on the South African Presidency to publicly clarify its relationship with politically connected business figures. Johannesburg-based political analyst Daniel Silke said transparency issues often become politically sensitive ahead of major policy or governance debates.

“When perceptions emerge that politically connected individuals may have unusual access to power, opposition parties will naturally push for greater accountability and disclosure,” he said.

Neither the South African Presidency nor Ramaphosa’s office had publicly responded to Maimane’s letter at the time of publication.

Mmusi Maimane

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