WATCH | ‘The smell of money must follow me!’ — Ramaphosa begs Southeast Asia to invest in SA despite corruption woes

Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on Southeast Asian nations to invest in South Africa, acknowledging that corruption remains a major challenge.

Speaking at the 2025 ASEAN Business and Investors Summit in Malaysia, Ramaphosa promoted South Africa as the gateway to Africa and the continent’s most industrialised economy, ideal for trade and investment.

While encouraging investors — joking that “the smell of money must follow me to South Africa” — he admitted that corruption is “rife” in both government and the private sector. He said authorities are tackling criminality and reinforcing the rule of law.

Ramaphosa also thanked Malaysia for agreeing to attend the upcoming G20 Summit in Johannesburg, saying it would strengthen trade ties.

He noted that ministers from both countries plan to collaborate on defence, trade, industry, and agriculture, adding that current trade levels are “too low” and need improvement.