Zuma Foundation calls reports of Epstein links a smear after emails mention dinner plans for then-President Jacob Zuma.
The Jacob Zuma Foundation has rejected any link between the former South African president and Jeffrey Epstein after Zuma’s name appeared in newly unsealed court documents connected to the late financier and convicted sex trafficker.
The documents include a 2010 email, attributed to Epstein associate Mark Lloyd, which discussed plans to arrange a dinner at a London hotel for then-President Jacob Zuma. The message suggested inviting a woman named Vera to “add some real glamour to the occasion.”
A follow up email later described Zuma as “impressive and engaging” at the event.
Responding to the reports, foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi strongly denied any connection between Zuma and Epstein’s criminal activities. He condemned the coverage as an attempt to damage the former president’s reputation “by proximity to the unrelated crimes of a third party.”
Manyi further dismissed the claims as “speculative narrative building disguised as investigative journalism” and insisted, “The matter is closed.”
The foundation’s response comes amid renewed global scrutiny following the release of Epstein-related documents, with Zuma’s camp maintaining that the references amount to a baseless smear rather than evidence of any substantive link.