Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been mentioned in the latest batch of documents released from the Jeffrey Epstein files, a vast collection of court records and emails unsealed by the United States Department of Justice. The files include an email from 2010 in which an associate of the late financier and convicted sex offender appeared to help arrange a private dinner in London for Zuma during his official state visit to the United Kingdom. The email suggests the dinner was to take place at a London hotel and included an invitation to a guest described as a Russian model, and noted that Zuma was “impressive and engaging” at the event.
The release of the documents has reignited interest and media coverage around figures listed in the files, prompting reactions from South African political circles. The Jacob Zuma Foundation issued a strong denial of any wrongdoing or connection between Zuma and Epstein’s criminal activities, calling reports that attempt to link the former president to the case a “smear campaign.” Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi said the allegations are speculative and emphasized that one mention in the files does not imply criminal conduct, asserting that the narrative is being built without proper context.
Analysts and commentators reviewing the documents note that South Africa’s appearance in the Epstein files is limited and contextual, with references primarily tied to social interactions and travel rather than any confirmed illegal activity on South African soil. Emails connected to the country also include travel and model scouting references, but there is no evidence of misuse of power or involvement in Epstein’s criminal network. The broader release of the Epstein files continues to draw global attention as researchers sift through millions of pages of newly available material.