Social media reacts to Ramaphosa’s State Capture appearance

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appearance at the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, on Wednesday, had tongues wagging on social media as South Africans shared their views on the proceedings in Braamfontein.

Ramaphosa appeared for the first time at the commission in his capacity as the African National Congress (ANC) president.

South Africans online scrutinised his testimony and posted mixed reactions on social media platforms.

Some were divided on how his testimony started while others noted how his testimony could have shed more light and brought forward more evidence.

Social commentator, Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, shared his thoughts on Ramaphosa’s appearance, asking if the public had learned anything from Ramaphosa’s testimony.

What did we learn today that we didn’t already know before today’s proceedings? I’ve been loath to criticise the commission, but today I was desperately disappointed with its failure to scrutinise the ANC or President Cyril Ramaphosa. #StateCaptureInquiry

— Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh (@SizweMpofuWalsh) April 28, 2021

Another social media user suggests the interaction between President Ramaphosa and Commission Chair, Deputy Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo was a bit too friendly.

Its safe to say that President Cyril Ramaphosa and Raymond Zondo are definitely drinking buddies. The chemistry here is ridiculous. #StateCaptureInquiry #StateCaptureCommission #ZondoCommission pic.twitter.com/iNNM3omHDw

— Lwazi Msomi (@RealLwaziMsomi) April 28, 2021

One user had an issue with Ramaphosa being addressed as ‘The President’.

When I heard Zondo refer to Ramaphosa as The President, not as a witness, then I went on with my daily schedule.#StateCaptureInquiry

— Bra Hloni (@HonourableHloni) April 28, 2021

In support of President Ramaphosa

Lethabo says the opening statement was satisfying, saying Ramaphosa spoke about ‘real issues’ instead of ‘non-existent spys’.

I'm glad President Ramaphosa spoke about real issues in his opening statement instead of imaginary enemies and non-existent spys in the ANC ?. What a relief! #StateCaptureInquiry

— Lethabo (@Cheetahplains) April 28, 2021

Another Twitter user seems to be in support of Lethabo’ claims, commending Ramaphosa’s opening day.

I must commend President @CyrilRamaphosa for being so open, truthful and upfront with information on the @StateCaptureCom thus far.

He prepared some beautiful
Opening remarks and he is clearly well versed with the ANC's finer details.

Very wise too!#StateCaptureInquiry pic.twitter.com/PnTj9UIXLA

— Theko ♏angelo ♬tuli ? (@Mang3l0) April 28, 2021

Matome had a different view all together, saying the president’s testimony sounded like electioneering.

Today’s testimony was more of an electioneering for the ANC than anything else. It was a platform for Ramaphosa to brag about how wonderful things are changing in the ANC, despite 27 years of looting and mismanagement of municipalities. #StateCaptureInquiry

— matome w senyolo (@mwsenyolo) April 28, 2021

Ramaphosa will continue his testimony as ANC President on Thursday. He will appear again in his capacity as the President of South African at a later date.