Controversial North West businessman Brian Mogotsi has sparked political and public uproar after making explosive allegations connecting President Cyril Ramaphosa to embattled businessman and alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
During a fiery live interview on Newsroom Afrika, Mogotsi claimed that there are photographs showing President Ramaphosa alongside Matlala — yet, according to him, there have been no calls for the president to “step aside” or face scrutiny over the alleged association.
Matlala, who has long been linked to criminal networks and corruption scandals, has reportedly been implicated in the looting of Tembisa Hospital, a matter that has attracted national attention. Mogotsi went further, claiming that Ramaphosa’s nephew from his first marriage, Tshifhiwa Maumela, is also connected to the Tembisa Hospital scandal.
The outspoken businessman did not stop there. He also turned his attention to ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, making damning accusations of ties between Mbalula and Mamelodi taxi boss Vusi “Khekhe” Mathibela, who has previously faced allegations of leading a violent taxi syndicate.
According to Mogotsi, Mbalula and Mathibela embarked on an international trip just days before the 2015 assassination of North West businessman Wandile Bozwana — a murder that shocked the nation and remains a sore point in South Africa’s criminal justice narrative. Mogotsi further alleged that Mbalula owed Bozwana R1 million, a debt he claims remains unpaid to Bozwana’s family years after the businessman’s death.
Adding another explosive layer, Mogotsi accused Mbalula of arriving at the ANC’s January 8 celebrations in Cape Town aboard a luxury boat allegedly funded by a foreign-owned company. The claim, if true, could raise serious questions about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of external financiers within South African politics.
While the allegations have not yet been independently verified, Mogotsi’s interview has reignited debates about political accountability, corruption, and alleged criminal infiltration within South Africa’s leadership structures. Political analysts have warned that the claims could further deepen divisions within the African National Congress (ANC), already facing internal tensions ahead of key upcoming political milestones.
Mogotsi’s revelations come amid heightened public scrutiny of both government and private sector corruption. His decision to go public with these claims appears to be a prelude to what he has hinted will be a larger disclosure of “files” before the Madlanga Commission, where he is expected to testify soon.
The presidency and the ANC have not yet issued formal responses to Mogotsi’s statements. However, given the gravity of the accusations — linking high-ranking figures such as President Ramaphosa and Secretary-General Mbalula to individuals allegedly involved in criminal activity — observers anticipate a strong reaction from political and law enforcement bodies in the coming days.
As the nation awaits Mogotsi’s next move, his allegations have placed the spotlight squarely on the intersection of politics, business, and organized crime in South Africa — an area that continues to shape the country’s most pressing scandals and debates.
About the Author
