Maimane scrutinises Cyril’s son

DA leader Mmusi Maimane has requested access to the contract for services rendered by the president’s son‚ Andile Ramaphosa‚ to controversial facilities management company Bosasa.

He said on Sunday this was to ensure that Andile Ramaphosa had not received any preferential treatment – including alleged kickbacks – by virtue of him being the son of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Separate applications in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) had been submitted – one to the Presidency and one to the African Global Group‚ formerly Bosasa‚ Maimane said.

“Earlier this week in parliament‚ I asked President Ramaphosa whether he had any knowledge of an alleged R500‚000 payment to Ramaphosa Jr from Bosasa CEO Gavin Watson. I presented both a proof of payment and sworn affidavit supporting this payment. President Ramaphosa responded by confirming the payment‚ but then said his son had explained it as a payment received for legitimate ‘consulting’ services.

“However‚ someone is being economical with the truth‚ as Andile Ramaphosa has since gone on record denying that he had received any payment from Bosasa in relation to this allegation‚” Ramaphosa said.

“It now emerges that Andile Ramaphosa is directly involved in no less than 30 companies – any of which may have rendered services to Bosasa‚” the DA leader added.

He said any shadow of doubt pertaining to the president’s immediate family must be thoroughly interrogated to ensure that no undue influence‚ malfeasance or corruption was present. –