Ramaphosa's brief mystery getaway cleared up

The mystery around President Cyril Ramaphosa's brief getaway to Mauritius on a SA Air Force Beechcraft King Air has been cleared up.

- Faizel Patel

Questions around the flight were raised last week.

It is understood Ramaphosa, together with his support team, went to the island over the Christmas period to unwind, as the president appeared relaxed and rejuvenated when he delivered his New Year's message to South Africans.

Ramaphosa thanked South Africans for their sacrifices during a difficult 2025, adding that every citizens input will help to “build the South Africa of our dreams”.

Ramaphosa's holiday was kept secret and no acting president was appointed in his place while he was out of the country, according to a City Press report.

The flight to Mauritius stopped for fuel in Beira, Mozambique, and Antananarivo, Madagascar, before the final leg to Port Louis. On Wednesday, the crew returned home via the same route, the paper reported.

The president's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said Ramaphosa and his party flew commercially and that the flights were paid for by number one from his own pocket.