Defending The President: Ramaphosa's Spokesperson Hits Back At Kagame's Claims

Holifil

04 Apr, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, has strongly refuted allegations that Ramaphosa's mining interests are behind the SANDF's deployment to the DRC.
This rebuttal came after Rwandan President Paul Kagame accused Ramaphosa of leveraging the South African military for personal gain.
Magwenya emphasized that South Africa's presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been part of long-standing peacekeeping efforts for decades.

Tebogo Mokwena, a passionate Briefly News current affairs journalist, has spent seven years covering international and local social issues like health, corruption, education, unemployment, labor disputes, service delivery protests, and immigration in South Africa for Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesperson Vincent Magwenya refutes claims the army is in the DRC for Ramaphosa's benefit. Images: Rodger Bosch/ AFP via Getty Images and Ludovic Marin/ AFP via Getty Images Source: Getty Images

PARLIAMENT — President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, stepped up to defend the president against accusations from Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Kagame alleged that Ramaphosa is using the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to safeguard his own mineral interests. Magwenya was firm in his response, dismissing these claims outright and reaffirming South Africa's commitment to peacekeeping in the region.

What Exactly Did Paul Kagame Say?

In a bold and explosive interview with CNN, Kagame questioned the motivations behind the military presence in the DRC. He suggested that those benefiting from the gold resources in the region include South Africa and certain European nations, while simultaneously criticizing the noise they make about it. Kagame’s spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, echoed these sentiments, reinforcing the accusation against Ramaphosa. The tension between these leaders has been palpable, with both sides digging their heels in on this controversial issue.

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How Did the Presidency Respond?

Addressing the media during a press briefing at Parliament in Cape Town, Magwenya discussed the upcoming State of the Nation Address scheduled for February 6. He took the opportunity to clarify South Africa's role in Africa's peacekeeping missions, pointing out that the country has been actively involved in such initiatives for over two decades. Magwenya reiterated that the SANDF's deployment to the DRC is part of a broader effort to maintain peace and stability in the region, not to serve any private interests.

Vincent Magwenya addressed Paul Kagame's allegations. Image: Frennie Shivambu/Gallo Images via Getty Images Source: Getty Images

What You Need to Know About the SANDF in the DRC

President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered the deployment of 2,900 troops to the DRC on a peacekeeping mission in January 2024.
Just a month later, tragedy struck when two SANDF soldiers were killed during a mortar attack by the M23 rebels on their base.
In January of this year, another 13 SANDF soldiers lost their lives in an ambush by the M23, with a 14th succumbing to injuries in the hospital.

South Africans Are Skeptical

Public reaction to Magwenya's defense has been mixed, with many expressing doubts about its credibility. On social media, users commenting on @ewnupdates' X tweet have voiced their skepticism, suggesting that there may be more to the story than what's been disclosed. ZiwundwaFort-Cox questioned whether Ramaphosa or his associates have mining interests in the DRC, while Julie Cloete urged for a deeper investigation into the matter. AP Wiliams highlighted the media's role in uncovering the truth, and Mario Vivieri pointed out the involvement of Ramaphosa's brother-in-law in the mining industry.

Julius Malema and Helen Zille Call for SANDF Recall

In a related development, Julius Malema, president of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has called for the immediate recall of SANDF forces from the DRC. Malema criticized Defense Minister Angie Motshekga for what he perceives as mismanagement and incompetence, urging the army to return home. Helen Zille, a prominent political figure, agreed with Malema’s stance, sharing his tweet and voicing her support for the withdrawal of troops. The debate over the SANDF's role in the DRC continues to dominate political discourse in South Africa.