South African President says he had no prior knowledge of individual reportedly present at Mnangagwa meeting…reports Asian Lite News
Cyril Ramaphosa has denied having any prior knowledge of a person reportedly wanted by law enforcement who was allegedly present during his recent working visit to Zimbabwe.
The clarification came after reports emerged following Ramaphosa’s visit to Zimbabwe on Sunday at the invitation of his counterpart, Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Speaking at a media briefing in Cape Town on Wednesday, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa’s trip was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and discussing regional matters with Mnangagwa.
Magwenya said the visit highlighted the long standing historical relationship between South Africa and Zimbabwe, rooted in their shared struggles against colonialism and apartheid, as well as strong economic ties between the two neighbours.
According to the Presidency, South African exports to Zimbabwe reached about US$4.3 billion in 2025, driven mainly by agricultural products and machinery.
During the visit, the two leaders held informal discussions at Mnangagwa’s farm, where Ramaphosa also sought insight into initiatives aimed at supporting local farmers in nearby communities.
However, the Presidency expressed concern over reports that an individual being sought by law enforcement authorities had been present during the visit.
“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 ongoing investigations and urged law enforcement agencies to pursue the matter “with no fear or hesitation”.
Meanwhile, Magwenya also provided an update on South Africa’s response to the country’s worsening water supply challenges.
He said the National Water Crisis Committee, known as WATERCOM, was established earlier this year under Ramaphosa’s leadership to coordinate government efforts to tackle the crisis.
The committee includes several departments, among them Water and Sanitation, National Treasury, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements, Public Works and Infrastructure, Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, as well as the South African Police Service.
At the administrative level, the structure is being led by Phindile Baleni.
WATERCOM is currently overseeing the implementation of a National Water Action Plan aimed at addressing supply disruptions and speeding up reforms across government systems.
The plan focuses on improving water service delivery in priority areas, reforming local government water systems, unlocking infrastructure investment, strengthening regulatory frameworks and tackling corruption and criminality in the sector, including the misuse of water tankers.
Magwenya said consultations on the plan had already taken place with provinces and municipalities, while further engagements were planned with business groups, labour organisations and civil society bodies. An advisory panel of water experts from academia and other institutions is also being set up.
