The ferry capsized on Tuesday amid rough weather, with dozens of passengers still unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continued.
Ramaphosa extended his sympathies to the families of those who died and to those still awaiting news of their loved ones.
He also wished survivors a speedy recovery and paid tribute to emergency services working to rescue survivors and bring closure to affected families.
The tragedy has been declared a national disaster by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.