Questions around Ramaphosa’s brief holiday were raised last week.
The Presidency says President Cyril Ramaphosa’s brief breakaway to Mauritius was “no secret” and that Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe was in charge of the country while the president was away.
Questions around Ramaphosa’s brief holiday were raised last week.
Mauritius break
It is understood that the president, together with his support team, went to the island over the Christmas period to unwind. He appeared relaxed and rejuvenated as he delivered his New Year’s message to South Africans.
Ramaphosa thanked South Africans for their sacrifices during a difficult 2025, adding that every citizen’s input will help build the South Africa of our dreams.”
According to a report, Ramaphosa’s holiday to Mauritius on board a South African Air Force Beechcraft King was kept secret, and no acting president was appointed in his place while he was out of the country.
ALSO READ: Ramaphosa names new Presidential Climate Commission
‘No secret’
However, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, told The Citizen that this was not true.
“Firstly, the trip to Mauritius was not a secret. How can the president boarding a commercial flight be a secret? Were there no other passengers on the flight or other people at the airport?
“Secondly, minister Mantashe was the acting president between the 21st and 27th of December. It will be unconstitutional to leave the country without an acting president. Indeed, the president paid his own way to a short family vacation to Mauritius. Why is that an issue? Is there a law that says he can’t go on holiday? Magwenya said.
Ramaphosa cleared
Last week, the Public Protector cleared the Presidency and the Department of Defence (DoD) of any wrongdoing in relation to catering expenses in the Presidential aircraft Inkwazi scandal.
In the Inkwazi scandal, passengers aboard President Cyril Ramaphosa’s plane enjoyed lavish meals and drinks on their return from the funeral of British Queen Elizabeth II, at a cost of R24 000 per head.
The Public Protector’s probe followed a complaint from DA leader Johan Steenhuisen following media reports about the scandal in 2023.
ALSO READ: SA ‘serious about fighting financial crime and corruption’ — Ramaphosa
