claimed that there was a "surplus" of Coloureds in the West-Cape and that this 'problem' should be solved by making the members of this community spread over other provinces—a solution similar to that of relocation under apartheid. Manuel's sharp reaction to Manyi's remarks provoked an equally sharp response from Paul Ngobeni, a prominent backer of Jacob Zuma and John Hlophe. African Union Covid-19 special envoy and EFF spat In April 2020, Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa and Chairperson of the African Union, appointed Manuel as a special envoy in view of the COVID-19 epidemic. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) criticised his appointment, alleging that he was a 'puppet' of 'white monopoly capital'. Previously, Manuel had successfully pursued a case for defamation against the EFF in the Johannesburg High Court, after they alleged that he was corruptly involved in the selection of the commissioner of the South African Revenue Service. Personal life Trevor Manuel married Lynne Matthews in 1985. The couple had three sons Govan, Pallo and Jaime. The couple separated in 2001 and divorced in 2007. Manuel then married Maria Ramos on 27 December 2008 at the age of 52. Controversy The Hawks indicted Manuel and his one-time deputy, Jabu Moleketi, to provide affidavits on the creation of a special investigative unit in the South African Revenue Service (SARS) that allegedly spied on politicians. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has been probing the unit in an investigation in which former finance minister Pravin Gordhan was summoned. See also List of people subject to banning orders under apartheid References External links 1956 births Living people Politicians from Cape Town Cape Coloureds South African people of Portuguese descent Commission for Africa members Finance ministers of South Africa Members of the National Assembly of South Africa African National Congress politicians