South African Olympic gold medallist Roland Schoeman has ignited a storm of political controversy, this time accusing President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) of looting “over a trillion rand” – a claim that drew mixed reactions from South Africans across the political spectrum.
The 45-year-old swimming icon, who won gold at the 2004 Olympics in Athens in the 4x100m freestyle relay and has since become a prominent online political commentator, took to social media following Ramaphosa’s latest address to Parliament, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “Imagine where the country would be if you and your party didn’t steal over a trillion rand.”
The post, which quickly gained traction, triggered a polarising response – some users applauded his bluntness, while others condemned his remarks as simplistic, racially charged, or disconnected from South Africa’s broader social and economic realities.
Public reaction divided
While many users on social media agreed with Schoeman’s anti-corruption message, others challenged his narrative, pointing out issues of historic inequality, white privilege, and deep-rooted systemic dysfunction that go beyond a single administration.
@hopeinbetween replied: “If they can stop pleasing whiteness, we could be in an even better and stronger position as a country!”
@Vincent62343509 added: “They allowed population growth to spiral with poor border control… compared to our economic growth, that’s unsustainable.”
Others were more scathing:
@HumanOpinion1 wrote: “Imagine trying to sell ‘progress’ after looting a trillion rand. That’s like bragging about patching one pothole after burning down the whole highway.”
The comment section revealed that, while frustration over corruption is shared across racial and political lines, Schoeman’s tone and framing drew accusations of bias and oversimplification.
Over the years, the swimmer-turned-commentator has regularly spoken out on issues including farm murders, racial identity politics, and EFF leader Julius Malema, once applauding the UK’s decision to reject Malema’s visa application.
His use of terms like “civilised nations” and support for greater US influence in South African affairs has also raised eyebrows, with some accusing him of promoting neocolonial sentiment.
Ramaphosa’s response? Silence – so far
The Presidency has not responded directly to Schoeman’s post, although the ANC has in the past dismissed similar public accusations as “uninformed and populist”.
Ramaphosa himself has consistently defended his administration’s anti-corruption efforts, pointing to the Zondo Commission, reforms at SARS, and crackdowns on public sector fraud.
Analysis
Political analysts say Schoeman’s remarks underscore a growing culture of online populism, where celebrities and influencers can shape national debate – often without accountability.
“Roland taps into a very real frustration many South Africans feel,” said political analyst Thami Ndlovu.
“But attributing all of South Africa’s challenges to theft alone ignores the layers of complexity in our economy and society.”
Others argue that voices like Schoeman’s – while provocative – are reflective of a leadership vacuum and widespread disillusionment with post-apartheid governance.
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