Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to come clean about his past.
Her comments were in response to a tweet from Ramaphosa’s official X account regarding South Africa’s international relations.
This comes as the United States (US) Department of Justice investigates MTN over alleged bribery and corruption.
RAMAPHOSA’S HISTORY WITH MTN
Ramaphosa served as chairperson of MTN from 2001 to 2013, when Irancell was established. This was when allegations of bribery first emerged over contracts in Iran and Afghanistan.
In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa said South Africa’s national interest will always remain independent. He stated that the country will not be beholden to external influence, reflecting constitutional values and national priorities. “As we continue to engage constructively with the international community, we have been consistent that this should always be on the basis of mutual respect,” he added.
Zille responded sharply, saying, “Not even subject to the interests of MTN and its chairpersons past and present??? Really? Tell us the truth now.”
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
Her remarks come after last week’s ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Japan. Ramaphosa described Japan as an important trading partner in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, technology and agriculture.
He noted that at a time of global trade disruptions and tariff pressures, forums like TICAD play a key role in advancing economic diplomacy.
“South Africa will continue to engage with partners in both the Global North and Global South. Our approach is neither partisan nor beholden, but strategic,” said the president.
DO YOU BELIEVE RAMAPHOSA IS CONNECTED TO THE ALLEGED MTN CORRUPTION?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
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