Ramaphosa Holds Informal Bilateral Meeting with Mnangagwa on Zimbabwean President’s Private Farm
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on 4 May 2026 and was joined by wealthy Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, whose assets have been frozen in South Africa where he is wanted for alleged money laundering. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa had no prior knowledge of Chivayo's presence at the informal meeting.
ecns.cnPresident Cyril Ramaphosa met with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on his private farm on 4 May 2026, with wealthy Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo also present. The meeting was arranged as a very informal, relaxed sort of engagement, albeit over serious issues concerning the two countries, according to South Africa's presidency.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya held a press conference in Cape Town on Wednesday to address the fallout.
He said President Cyril Ramaphosa did not know that he would be meeting a businessman wanted by the law in South Africa. Magwenya added that Ramaphosa had been invited to Zimbabwe by Mnangagwa and had no prior knowledge of who would be at the meeting. "President Ramaphosa had no prior knowledge of who would be present during the visit," Magwenya stated.
He said reports had surfaced after the visit identifying an individual who is a person of interest to SA law enforcement who was also present during the visit. It was understandable there were concerns about Ramaphosa being seen in a foreign country with persons of interest to our law enforcement, Magwenya said. Wicknell Chivayo is wanted in South Africa for alleged money laundering.
His assets have been frozen in South Africa, and he is being investigated by the Hawks for money laundering. Controversy has erupted in Zimbabwe over Ramaphosa's visit and his association with Mnangagwa's rich cronies including Wicknell Chivayo. AllAfrica reported that Chivayo openly flaunts his wealth.
The meeting took place on Mnangagwa's private farm on Sunday, two days before the spokesperson's briefing. Magwenya insisted the gathering focused on bilateral matters between South Africa and Zimbabwe despite the informal setting. The spokesperson's remarks came after public criticism in Zimbabwe centered on Ramaphosa's apparent proximity to figures linked to Mnangagwa.
No further details on the substance of the discussions between the two presidents were disclosed.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- 2026-05-04
President Cyril Ramaphosa met Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on his private farm with Wicknell Chivayo present
2 sourcesDaily Maverick · AllAfrica - 2026-05-06
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya held a press conference in Cape Town addressing the meeting
1 sourceDaily Maverick - 2026-05-07
AllAfrica publishes report on the controversy and spokesperson's statements
1 sourceAllAfrica
Potential Impact
- 01
Heightened focus on Wicknell Chivayo's cross-border business and legal issues
- 02
Increased scrutiny of bilateral meetings between Ramaphosa and Mnangagwa
Transparency Panel
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