Ramaphosa distances self from presence of wanted individual during Zimbabwe visit

Cyril Ramaphosa has clarified that he had no prior knowledge of an individual of interest to law enforcement who was reportedly present during his recent working visit to Zimbabwe.

The visit, held on Sunday at the invitation of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has drawn attention following reports that a person wanted by law enforcement agencies was also in attendance during one of the engagements.

Briefing journalists in Cape Town on Wednesday, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa travelled to Zimbabwe for bilateral talks focused on strengthening relations between the two countries and discussing regional matters.

Magwenya said the visit reflected the longstanding historical ties between South Africa and Zimbabwe, rooted in their shared liberation struggles, as well as strong economic relations. He noted that South African exports to Zimbabwe reached approximately US$4.3 billion in 2025, largely driven by agricultural goods and machinery.

During the visit, the two leaders also held informal discussions at Mnangagwa's farm, where Ramaphosa reportedly engaged on matters relating to agricultural support initiatives benefiting surrounding communities.

However, the Presidency expressed concern over reports that an individual wanted by law enforcement authorities was present during the engagement.

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

He added that the President fully supports law enforcement investigations and encouraged agencies to continue their work without interference or hesitation.

Magwenya also provided an update on the National Water Crisis Committee, known as WATERCOM, which is chaired by Ramaphosa and was established earlier this year to coordinate responses to South Africa's water supply challenges.

The committee brings together several government departments, including Water and Sanitation, National Treasury, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements, Public Works and Infrastructure, Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and the South African Police Service.

At administrative level, the programme is coordinated by Director-General in the Presidency Phindile Baleni.

WATERCOM is currently implementing a National Water Action Plan aimed at improving service delivery, reforming municipal water systems, attracting infrastructure investment, strengthening regulation, and addressing corruption and criminality in the water sector.

Engagements have already taken place with provinces and municipalities, with further consultations planned involving business, labour, and civil society, alongside the establishment of an advisory panel of water experts.

The Presidency also outlined President Ramaphosa's schedule for May, which includes a visit to the South32 Hillside Aluminium smelter in Richards Bay, participation in the Africa Travel Indaba in Durban, and engagement with global investors at an infrastructure conference.

He is also expected to respond to parliamentary questions, preside over the National Orders ceremony, and undertake a working visit to Botswana later in the month.

The Presidency said the programme reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen international relations, attract investment, and address domestic service delivery challenges.