Johannesburg – Newly released emails from the US Department of Justice’s Jeffrey Epstein files show that former president Jacob Zuma attended a private dinner organised by Epstein in London in March 2010, according to reports.
The dinner coincided with Zuma’s three-day state visit to the United Kingdom, his first as president, which was held at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II, Daily Maverick reported.
The emails show that the dinner was hosted at the Ritz Hotel and included a Russian model.
Correspondence from Epstein and an associate, Mark Lloyd, praised both the model and Zuma, describing Zuma as more impressive and gracious than tabloid portrayals suggested.
It reads as follows:
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.
Jeffrey suggested that I invite you, as you would be certain to add some real glamour to the occasion. A friend of Jeffreys is a friend of mine, so I have no hesitation inviting you to join us.
If you are not put off by the extremely short notice and would be able to accept, can you let me have a little more information about yourself as well as your full name ( as I have to present the President with a summary of the guests in advance).
with best regards,
Mark LLOYD”
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.
Jeffrey suggested that I invite you, as you would be certain to add some real…— Martin Plaut (@martinplaut) February 1, 2026
There is no evidence suggesting any improper connection between Zuma and Epstein beyond this dinner.
According to The Citizen, another email from Epstein referenced a private meeting with Zuma and again mentioned the model, though identities were redacted.
The Jacob Zuma Foundation, through spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi, dismissed the emails as part of a “smear campaign” and said they show no unlawful or improper conduct by Zuma.
Manyi called the reports “unethical, irresponsible, and intellectually dishonest” and said the matter is closed.
The Jacob Zuma Foundation has denied any impropriety around the former president’s alleged link to the late convicted paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein. According to the Daily Maverick, newly released records detail an intimate dinner reportedly organised by Epstein for Zuma in London,… pic.twitter.com/prdeoHCMLl
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) February 1, 2026
“The attempt to smear President Zuma by proximity to the unrelated crimes of a third party is unethical, irresponsible, and intellectually dishonest,” the report quoted Manyi as saying.
“The matter is closed.”
The Epstein files also mention other high-profile figures, including US President Donald Trump, Bill Gates, Howard Lutnick, and Richard Branson.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
