Cyril Ramaphosa Distances Himself From Paul Mashatile’s Diamond Drama, SA Unsurprised by His Silence
- Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to questions about the controversy surrounding his deputy, Paul Mashatile
- Mashatile was fined R10,000 for failing to declare a diamond given to his wife by businessman Louis Liebenberg
- South Africans were not surprised by the president's response to the controversy surrounding his deputy
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – President Cyril Ramaphosa will not be drawn into the diamond drama surrounding his deputy.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is at the centre of controversy after he failed to declare a diamond given to his wife by controversial businessman Louis Liebenberg. Parliament’s Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests fined Mashatile R10,000 for failing to do so.
Mashatile said he was waiting for the diamond to be appraised to determine its value before declaring it.
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What are Ramaphosa’s thoughts on the matter?
Speaking to the media outside the Union Buildings, where Professor Firoz Cachalia was sworn in as the new Minister of Police, Ramaphosa was asked about the controversy surrounding his deputy.
The president maintained that his deputy should be the one to speak about the issue, insisting that he’s the only one that had the answers.
“We will need to wait for him to provide answers to all these questions, and only he can answer them. So, let’s wait for that, and then we take the process from there, he said.
Mashatile’s office promises to return the diamond
Mashatile was fined almost eight months after his office said they were planning to return the diamond. The precious stone was gifted to Mashatile's wife, Humile, by diamond Ponzi scheme-accused Liebenberg.
In December 2024, Mashatile's office explained that the gift was an unsolicited one. It stated that following the news that Liebenberg faced 42 charges of fraud, theft, racketeering and money laundering, it decided that the diamond would be returned.
Source: Getty Images
How did South Africans react?
Social media users were not surprised by Ramaphosa’s comments, with some joking that he distanced himself from his own controversies. Others said that he wouldn’t have distanced himself if it were an ally like Senzo Mchunu at the centre of the controversy.
Ntando Malinga said:
“We’re not surprised. Birds of a feather flock together.”
Kamo Ramoshebi asked:
“How does a President distance himself from his deputy? 🤣”
Nqunde Keo stated:
“He wouldn't have distanced himself if it were one of his allies like Mchunu.”
Rudi Jansen added:
“Cupcake distances himself from South Africa.”
Thembi Maliwa claimed:
“No surprises there.”
Mthokozisi M Cebekhulu said:
“We are not allowed to use or have unaccounted dollars in South Africa, but some couches are full.”
Naude Ron stated:
“Because he has to hide his own scandals, no other reason.”
Tshidiso Khanya claimed:
“Our president is always ‘not aware’.”
Mantshodi Glory said:
“One day Cyril will distance himself from himself, and you all will still be surprised.”
Cindy-Leigh Jacobs joked:
“This one distanced himself from his own scandals 😂.”
South Africans joke about John Steenhuisen’s declared gifts
Briefly News reported that South Africans were not happy with John Steenhuisen for the gifts he declared.
The Minister of Agriculture declared the gifts he received, which included bottles of wine, international trips, and rentals to top-class properties.
Some South Africans joked that the Democratic Alliance cabinet members were enjoying the perks of being in the government.
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Source: Briefly News
