South Africa’s Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa who is vying to replace President Jacob Zuma has admitted to an extramarital affair but lambasted as “political smear” its revelation in newspapers, media reported Sunday.
Details of his alleged affairs with as many as eight women were splashed on Sunday newspapers, after the businessman turned politician failed to gag media from publishing the story in a late night urgent court application.
He denied cheating with eight women but admitted to having one affair. “I had a relationship with only one person and it ended. I dealt with it with my wife. We now have a professional relationship,” Ramaphosa told Sunday Times.
The leader of the ANC becomes an automatic candidate for president of the country. 64-year-old Ramaphosa said the report which is based on leaked email correspondence between himself and the women was a “smear campaign” ahead of the crucial elective conference.
Meanwhile, his medical doctor wife, Tshepo Motsepe, has expressed unequivocal support for him. Speaking to Sunday Times, Motsepe said she would support her husband and she still loved and respected him. .