Manyi Slams “Smear Campaign” After Epstein Emails Mention Former President Zuma-Foundation Spokesperson Rejects Allegations
Johannesburg – Newly released emails from the United States Department of Justice’s trove of documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have mentioned former South African President Jacob Zuma in connection with a private dinner during his 2010 state visit to the United Kingdom. The correspondence suggests Epstein helped arrange an “intimate dinner” for Zuma at London’s Ritz Hotel on 5 March 2010, involving a Russian model named Vera. However, the Jacob Zuma Foundation has strongly denied any wrongdoing, with spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi labelling the reports a “smear campaign” aimed at tarnishing Zuma’s reputation. As details emerge from the three million pages of files released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the foundation insists there is no evidence of unlawful conduct and accuses those spreading the story of unethical motives.
Emails Reveal Dinner Arrangements: A Look at the 2010 Correspondence
The documents include a series of emails dated 4 March 2010, where a contact named Mark Lloyd, who described himself as a friend of Epstein, reached out to Vera about organising a “small dinner” for Zuma. In one message, Lloyd wrote: “Dear Vera, I am a friend of Jeffrey Epstein, and I have been asked to help arrange a small dinner tomorrow night for President Jacob Zuma of South Africa at the Ritz Hotel at 7:00pm tomorrow evening.” Vera responded positively, confirming her attendance and expressing interest in meeting the president.
The dinner was scheduled for the evening of 5 March 2010, during Zuma’s three-day state visit to the UK from 3 to 5 March, hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Zuma, accompanied by his wife Tobeka Madiba-Zuma, stayed at Buckingham Palace and attended official events, including meetings with British leaders on trade and security. The Epstein-arranged gathering appears to have been a private side event, with no public record of it at the time. For those trying to understand the context, Epstein was known for using social gatherings to network with influential figures, often introducing models or associates, though no wrongdoing is alleged in this specific instance.
Foundation’s Strong Denial: No Evidence of Impropriety
The Jacob Zuma Foundation wasted no time in responding, dismissing the reports as baseless and part of a targeted effort to discredit the former president, who now leads the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. Spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi stated that while the foundation does not deny the possibility of a meeting, the suggestions of impropriety are unfounded. “We want that chapter behind us,” Manyi said, emphasising that appearing in the Epstein files does not imply guilt or involvement in any criminal activity.
Manyi accused the timing of the revelations of being suspicious, aimed at distracting from Zuma’s current political work. He highlighted that Zuma has faced numerous smear attempts over the years, and this latest one follows a similar pattern. The foundation also criticised the way the story was presented, calling it unethical and designed to sensationalise without facts. Legal experts agree that mere mentions in such files – which include communications with politicians, academics, and celebrities – do not indicate misconduct, serving more as historical records of Epstein’s wide network.
Zuma’s 2010 UK Visit: Diplomatic Engagements and Private Meetings
Zuma’s trip to the UK was a key diplomatic outing, focused on strengthening ties between South Africa and Britain. He met with Prime Minister Gordon Brown to discuss issues like the Zimbabwe crisis, economic cooperation, and global security. The visit included a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, cultural exchanges, and business forums aimed at boosting trade.
Private meetings during such visits are common, often for networking or informal talks. The Epstein dinner, if it occurred, would have been one such event, slotted into Zuma’s schedule. There is no indication it involved official business or led to any agreements. Zuma’s foundation notes that as head of state, he attended many events, and scrutinising one without context is unfair. This perspective helps explain why leaders like Zuma, who travelled extensively, might cross paths with figures like Epstein in social settings.
Epstein’s Network: A Web of Influence and Controversy
Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, built a vast network of contacts through philanthropy, business, and social events. His files, released in batches since 2019, name over 200 individuals, including former US President Bill Clinton, Britain’s Prince Andrew, and now Zuma. Epstein often arranged dinners or introductions, leveraging his wealth for access.
In Zuma’s case, the emails show no direct communication between him and Epstein, only arrangements through intermediaries. Vera, described as a Russian model, was invited as a guest, but details of who attended or what was discussed remain unknown. Legal analysts caution that association alone proves nothing, as many in Epstein’s circle faced no charges. However, the revelations have renewed global scrutiny, with victims’ advocates pushing for full transparency to aid ongoing justice efforts.
Public and Political Reactions: Divided Opinions on the Revelations
South Africans have reacted with a mix of shock and scepticism. Supporters of Zuma see it as another attack on his legacy, timed to disrupt his MK Party’s momentum ahead of elections. “It’s a smear attempt – no proof, just names,” one online commenter said. Critics, however, demand more details, arguing public figures must account for all associations.
Political opponents have used it to question Zuma’s judgment, while his allies rally in defence. The foundation’s quick response has helped contain fallout, framing it as media sensationalism. Broader talks focus on how such historical links affect current politics, especially for leaders like Zuma who remain active.
Broader Implications: Transparency and Legacy in the Spotlight
This incident underscores the long reach of Epstein’s scandal, where even distant connections resurface years later. For Zuma, it adds to a legacy marked by controversies like state capture allegations, from which he was cleared in some probes. The foundation’s rejection aims to protect his image, emphasising no unlawful acts.
Globally, the files highlight needs for stricter oversight of influential networks. In South Africa, it sparks debates on ethical leadership, urging figures to disclose past associations. As the dust settles, Zuma’s team hopes to move past “that chapter,” focusing on his ongoing work. For the public, it is a reminder that history can revisit, demanding accountability from all.
Moving Forward: No Investigations, But Questions Linger
No investigations into Zuma have stemmed from these files, and experts stress mentions alone imply no guilt. The foundation calls for ethical reporting, urging focus on facts over speculation. As South Africa looks ahead, this episode serves as a cautionary tale on the enduring impact of past associations, encouraging leaders to prioritise transparency for trust’s sake.
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