BUILD One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane has written to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa seeking clarity over a video allegedly showing him in an informal engagement with controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
The matter follows Ramaphosa’s recent visit to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Precabe Farm in Kwekwe, where he was seen interacting with Chivayo.
In a letter dated May 22, Maimane said the footage sparked widespread public debate and raised questions about Ramaphosa’s previously stated position on his relationship with Chivayo.
“A video has recently been circulated in the public domain appearing to show you in a private, informal engagement with Mr Wicknell Chivayo,” he wrote.
“This has understandably raised serious questions in the public discourse, particularly given prior public statements attributed to you in which you indicated that you did not know or have knowledge of Chivayo.”
BOSA said the emergence of the footage created “an apparent inconsistency that warrants clear and direct explanation to the South African public.”
“In addition, the video has been widely interpreted by observers as being used by 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, including matters that are reportedly under investigation or before the courts,” the letter stated.
BOSA said such perceptions risked undermining confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the presidency.
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“These perceptions have the potential to erode confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the presidency. It is precisely because of the gravity of these implications that clarity from your office is essential,” Maimane wrote.
BOSA has requested clarity on the nature of Ramaphosa’s interaction with Chivayo, when the meeting took place, whether it was official or private and whether any declarations or official records exist regarding the engagement.
The party also asked how the interaction aligns with previous public statements made by Ramaphosa’s office concerning Chivayo.
