Former South African President Jacob Zuma attended a small dinner with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein on 5 March 2010, according to emails in recently released court documents. The gathering occurred at the Ritz Hotel in London during Zuma's state visit to the UK from 3 March to 5 March 2010. Organiser Mark Lloyd, described as a friend of Epstein, invited a Russian model to join, adding glamour to the event.

The US Department of Justice released the 3 million-page trove on 23 January, shedding light on Zuma's activities on his final evening in London. Emails show Lloyd coordinating the Jacob Zuma Jeffrey Epstein dinner, with the model confirming her attendance and inquiring about dress code. A follow-up message praised her presence and noted Zuma's impressive demeanour, contrasting media portrayals.

Background and Implications

Zuma's trip marked his first state visit to the UK as president, invited by Queen Elizabeth II. He stayed at Buckingham Palace, attended banquets, and met NGOs at South Africa House earlier that day. No prior public links existed between Zuma and Epstein, who later faced sex trafficking charges before his death in 2019.

The documents reference other figures like Donald Trump, Bill Gates, and Richard Branson, but focus here on the Jacob Zuma Jeffrey Epstein dinner. This revelation adds to scrutiny of Epstein's network, though it shows no evidence of wrongdoing by Zuma. Future reports may detail other South African connections in the files.

Official Responses

The Jacob Zuma Foundation dismissed the reports as a smear campaign. Spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi stated that the emails indicate no unlawful conduct by Zuma.

"The attempt to smear President Zuma by proximity to the unrelated crimes of a third party is unethical, irresponsible, and intellectually dishonest," Manyi said, according to the foundation's statement.

He added that the foundation would not engage in speculative narratives and declared the matter closed.

Zuma's MK party spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment on Saturday, as noted in reports.