Ramaphosa, unaware of Chivayo's presence at the Zimbabwe meeting, says the presidency

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had no prior knowledge that Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo would be present at a meeting in Zimbabwe, according to presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya. The clarification follows public scrutiny after Ramaphosa’s recent visit to Zimbabwe, where he met President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Magwenya said the South African leader attended the meeting strictly at President Mnangagwa’s invitation and was not aware of other attendees.

“President Ramaphosa had no prior knowledge of who would be present during the visit, nor is he familiar with the said individual,” Magwenya said. “The president flew to Zimbabwe for a meeting with his counterpart and nothing else.”

The presence of Chivayo at the gathering has drawn attention due to ongoing investigations involving his business dealings in South Africa.

South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), which monitors suspicious financial activity, has flagged transactions involving a company linked to Chivayo and a South African printing firm. The transactions are reportedly tied to more than R800 million allegedly moved through South African banks in connection with a tender awarded by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) confirmed in January 2026 that investigations related to Chivayo remain ongoing.

A senior investigator, speaking on condition of anonymity, said cross-border financial flows are under close scrutiny.

“These cases involve complex financial networks, and cooperation between agencies is essential,” the official said.

Magwenya stressed that the presidency supports ongoing investigations and has encouraged law enforcement agencies to proceed without interference.

“The president will further encourage our law enforcement agencies to continue pursuing matters under investigation and to do so with no fear or hesitation,” he said.

Political analyst Sanusha Naidu said the presidency’s response reflects a need to separate diplomatic engagements from legal processes.

“Heads of state often attend meetings based on official invitations without controlling guest lists. The key issue is whether institutions are allowed to function independently,” she said.

Ramaphosa’s visit to Zimbabwe was part of ongoing bilateral engagement between the two neighbouring countries, which maintain close political and economic ties. However, the controversy highlights the risks of association in high-level diplomatic meetings, particularly when individuals under investigation are present. As investigations continue, authorities in South Africa are expected to intensify scrutiny of financial transactions linked to the case, while the presidency maintains that Ramaphosa’s visit was strictly official and limited to state business.

Ramaphosa Zimbabwe visit