President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved to allay concerns from Zambia following Finance Minister Tito Mboweni’s recent tweet, which criticised Zambian President Edgar Lungu for firing the country’s central bank governor.  

On Sunday, Mboweni tweeted, “Presidents in Africa must stop this nonsense of waking up in the morning and fire a Central Bank Governor! You cannot do that. This is not some fiefdoms of yours! Your personal property?! No!!”

He continued, “No. That Governor was a good fella. Why do we do these things as Africans. The President of Zambia must give us the reasons why he dismissed The Governor or else hell is on his way. I will mobilize!”

Ramaphosa, on Monday, reprimanded Mboweni and gave assurances to Zambia that Mboweni’s comments were not a reflection of the views of the South African government or South Africans.  

“South Africa and Zambia enjoy strong historical relations dating back to the days of the struggle against apartheid. South Africa remains committed to maintaining the deep and solid bonds of friendship between the peoples of South Africa and Zambia,” said the Presidency in a statement.